Jed's Revenge

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Jed’s Revenge ISBN # 1-4199-0425-6 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Jed’s Revenge Copyright© 2005 Beverly Havlir Edited by Heather Osborn. Cover art by Stacey Mans Electronic book Publication: November 2005

This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 443103502. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Warning: The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. Jed’s Revenge has been rated E–rotic by a minimum of three independent reviewers. Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. In addition, some E-rated titles might contain fantasy material that some readers find objectionable, such as bondage, submission, same sex encounters, forced seductions, and so forth. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry; it is common, for instance, for an author to use words such as “fucking”, “cock”, “pussy”, and such within their work of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Unlike E-rated titles, stories designated with the letter X tend to contain controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

JED’S REVENGE Beverly Havlir

Dedication To Heather, my editor: Thanks for your patience and input. You’re awesome to work with! To Luisa: Thanks for your invaluable help and for seeing things that I somehow missed. You’re a lifesaver! To Jim, Justin and Bea: This one’s for you.

Jed’s Revenge

Prologue

Pagan Headquarters Fourth Quadrant Sentari Galaxy 2252 AD “Kat-ta.” The deep voice echoed in the silence, the Pagan language unfamiliar to Kate McAllister and her older sister, Erin. Kate gulped, casting a furtive glance at the forbidding Lord Commander who sat stiffly on a throne-like chair. “Come,” Varan, a tall, distinguished-looking man dressed in a flowing purple robe, instructed. Varan was the only one in the Pagan stronghold who could speak English. He nudged them forward. Kate took a deep breath and sought to ignore the fear that knotted her insides. She glanced at Erin. Her sister squeezed her hand, a signal to follow her lead. Kate tried to still her furiously beating heart. The great hall in the Pagan keep was dark and dank, the stale air reeking of alcohol and drunken men, the usual excesses of the Pagan race. People lined either side of the red carpet that led up to the dais where the Lord Commander held court. Wall sconces lit the way, but the cold stone of the palace was uninviting and unwelcoming. She shivered. Everything here scared her to death. The Pagans were a violent race, given to warmongering and pillaging. But fighting so many wars had depleted their wealth, and the rebuilding was slow. Years ago, their mother had escaped Pagan tyranny and had fled to Earth for a better life. Now Kate understood why. They came to a halt and knelt in front of the forbidding Lord Commander, his austere face drawn into harsh lines. A hush fell over the crowd. Anticipation was thick in the air. From beneath her eyelashes, she stole a glance at the eager faces, bringing to mind a mob of bloodthirsty savages who were just waiting for the deathblow to be delivered. “Ta-las.” “Rise,” Varan informed them. The Lord Commander’s raspy voice was like nails on a chalkboard. It was almost a relief to hear Varan’s voice repeat the Lord Commander’s words in English. Kate kept her head bowed and stood up. The Lord Commander was again speaking, his tone cold and unfeeling. Varan waited until he was done before he spoke. “Your mother was a member of one of the founding Pagan families. That is the only thing keeping you two alive right now.”

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Kate trembled. It was said so dispassionately, so matter-of-factly, that she had no doubt he meant it. When the Lord Commander spoke again, she held on tightly to Erin and waited for Varan’s translation. “Stealing into Pagan territory like thieves in the night is a major infraction of our border rules. You two took great risks to come back here.” Kate bowed her head, terror filling her heart. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. To fulfill their mother’s dying wish and come to her homeland to retrieve the family burial mantle. Pagans believed that to be buried without it meant one would never know eternal rest, and the spirit would be condemned to wander forever. In their grief, she and Erin had brushed aside the danger. How naïve they had been. They both thought that getting passage on a merchant ship to and from their mother’s world was enough. How hard could it be to get something that had belonged to their mother’s family for generations? All they had to do was go to the ancestral house, retrieve the mantle from its hiding place and leave without anybody being the wiser. Armed with a map and some Pagan currency they’d found among their mother’s papers, they set out to fulfill her wish. They had given security little thought. They had no weapons, no guards and no safety net. The great, albeit impulsive, plan they’d concocted fell apart when they were discovered wandering amidst the ruins of the ancient house. The guide they’d paid to help them had been shot, and she and Erin taken to the authorities. “Forgive us, Lord Commander.” Erin spoke softly, respectfully. “We only thought to fulfill our mother’s dying wish, which was to be buried in her family burial mantle. We meant no harm.” She glanced at Varan and listened while the other man spoke in the Pagan language. In response, the Lord Commander began a tirade of sharp words, accentuated by slashing gestures of his hand. His voice was like a whip in the air, full of disgust and anger. Varan’s face remained impassive while he repeated the words in English. “Your mother betrayed her people when she fled. Furthermore, she lowered herself immeasurably when she mated with an Earth male.” Kate flinched, trembling in fear. “Every Pagan soldier had standing orders to execute her on sight. By rights, you two, the fruit of her cursed union, should be dead, too.” Kate barely kept a shocked gasp from escaping her frozen lips. Her mother, beautiful and gentle, was considered a traitor by her people? Kate stole a quick look at the Commander from underneath her lashes, catching the thoughtful look that stole over his face. She didn’t like the shrewd, calculating expression that followed, nor the words he uttered in a blatantly cunning tone. Varan cleared his throat before posing the question to them. “Are you both untouched?” She felt Erin stiffen. Her stomach sank. This couldn’t be good. Kate was positive her older sister wasn’t a virgin anymore, but at only eighteen years of age, she was. How

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could she lie? What if they had ways to detect lies? And besides, what did it matter if she was a virgin or not? She glanced at Erin, only to receive a warning glare in return. “I am profoundly sorry to disappoint you, Lord Commander,” Erin responded in a level tone. “But we are both no longer untouched.” She waited while her words were translated by Varan. The outright lie slipped smoothly from Erin’s lips. Kate couldn’t prevent the shiver of terror that worked its way through her. If the Lord Commander ever found out that Erin was lying, they were both likely to be killed on the spot. His gaze drilled into them for long, unbearable moments before he spoke again. “Two females like you would be good collateral to barter for arms and military support,” Varan repeated without inflection. “Even if you have the despicable human blood running in your veins, you might prove useful.” He paused. “Prince Zandor is particularly fond of young, untried females. The Lord Commander might give you to him in exchange for Zandor’s support.” Erin raised her face. “But we are not untouched, Lord Commander.” Beneath her sister’s respectful words was a hint of steel. Sheer fright gripped Kate’s heart. The Lord Commander’s reply, when it came, was openly sneering. His glance flicked contemptuously at them while he waited for Varan to translate. “Think you he will take the word of a human female?” Varan said. “At first light tomorrow, he will have his personal physician perform a test. If either one of you is untouched…” He turned and looked at Kate. “He will offer you to Prince Zandor.” When he spoke again, the Lord Commander addressed Varan. The comment was short, succinct and clearly dismissive. Varan bowed respectfully before he bade Kate and Erin to follow him. Two burly guards came forward, escorting them out of the great hall and down the dark hallway. “Erin, I—” Kate began. “Silence!” Varan instructed in a harsh voice. Kate snapped her mouth shut, gripping her sister’s hand tightly. One of the guards pushed open a heavy, steel door and none-too-gently ushered them inside. Varan ordered the guards to stand outside, waiting until the door closed behind the men before he faced them, his face hard and implacable. “Listen to me very carefully. I dare not stay too long, for it will only arouse suspicions.” His voice lowered. “Are either of you untouched?” Erin put a restraining hand on her arm, quietly bidding Kate to stay silent. Varan’s lips tightened with irritation. “I may be your only chance of getting out of here alive. Prince Zandor is a merciless arms dealer who has a penchant for young, innocent girls. He’s been known to slowly torture and kill for his sick pleasure. Now I repeat, is either of you a virgin?” Erin lifted her chin and stared defiantly at Varan. “Why would you want to help us?”

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If it was possible, his harsh, lined features softened just a little. “I knew your mother. I understood why she left. She would not want her daughters to suffer because of what she did years ago.” He visibly composed himself. “You shouldn’t have come back here.” Erin sighed, acknowledging that he was right. “We wanted to do this one last thing for her.” Varan snorted. “I’m sure she didn’t want you to put yourselves in danger doing so.” “You’re not saying anything I haven’t told myself a million times,” Erin snapped in resentment. He raised an eyebrow. “I need an answer. Are either one of you a virgin?” he repeated. “I’m a virgin,” Kate responded in a small voice. “Kate!” Erin chided angrily. Varan gripped Erin’s arm. “Listen to me. I will arrange for your sister to get rid of her virginity before the morning comes, do you understand?” “No!” Kate protested. He swiveled to face her. “Would you rather be sent to Prince Zandor and bartered as if you were no more than a slave?” His hard glance switched to Erin. “To be used and abused until she was eventually killed?” The brutal question hung in the silence. Which was the better choice? To get rid of Kate’s virginity or risk being given to a madman… Erin’s lips tightened, clearly torn. “Who do you have in mind?” Kate whirled around to face her sister, shocked. “Erin, I can’t—” “Listen to me, Kate,” she interrupted. “He’s right. We don’t have a choice. You and I know it. This is the only way we can get out of this. If neither one of us is a virgin, then this Prince Zandor would have no need for us.” Kate’s shoulders slumped. They were caught in a hopeless situation. Erin gripped her arms. “I’m so sorry I got us both into this. I promise you, I’ll get you out of here. I don’t know how, but we’ll find a way.” “You remind me of your mother,” Varan spoke up, his tone softening. “She was a strong woman like you.” He fell silent, sadness etched in his features for a quick moment before he recovered and addressed Kate. “I will arrange for you to visit a prisoner tonight.” Dread bloomed inside her, quick and heavy. “Why a prisoner?” she asked dazedly, confused by the swift turn of events. “Because if a Pagan was picked to rid you of your virginity, they would immediately report you to the Lord Commander,” he informed her impatiently. “It has to be somebody who will not say anything, or who can’t say anything. The prisoner I

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have in mind has only been here for a few days. He’s fairly clean and healthy, not weakened and pox-ridden like the others.” Oh, God. “But why do I have to do it?” she cried out. “I can’t just visit a prisoner and have sex with him.” Varan’s grip on her arms was bruising. “Do you want to be a sex slave to a sadistic prince? Your mother risked her life getting away from this place. Do you not want to do the same?” It was Erin who finally answered in a calm voice. “Tell us what to do.” “I will lock the door and dismiss the guards.” He took a deep breath. “Then I will come back for you later and take you to the prison block two floors below the surface. You will have to do the deed yourself while I stand guard outside. Do you understand?” “I-I don’t think I can,” Kate stammered. “I do not have time for this,” Varan countered impatiently. “I will be back.” With a swish of his robes, he opened the door and disappeared. “Erin, I can’t do it,” Kate implored her sister. “I just can’t.” “You have to do it,” Erin ordered. Her eyes softened. “We will get out of here, alive and preferably unharmed. But it will be almost impossible to escape if the Lord Commander sends you to that perverted prince. Don’t be scared. You can do it, Kate. You have to do it.”

***** Kate bit her lip, hovering outside the closed door. Why did I let them talk me into this? Her heart thudded in frantic time to her churning thoughts. I can’t do this. I can’t go in there and seduce a bound man. With a defeated sigh, she turned to go back, encountered Varan’s stony face, and whirled around once more. She had to do this. She had to get rid of her blasted virginity before morning came. Great. Easy for them to say. She’d probably scare the life out of the prisoner when he saw her trying to scramble on his lap. And how would she know how to seduce him? She had absolutely zero, nada, zilch experience with that. “Just take off your clothes, Kate,” Erin advised. “Men are all the same. No matter what race, species or alien life form. They see a naked woman and voila, they get excited.” Uh-huh. But then again, they’d never seen her naked. Why else was she still a virgin at the age of eighteen? If she couldn’t attract an Earth boy with her chubby body, what made them think this alien would be attracted to her? How could fate be so cruel? It wasn’t enough that they’d just lost their parents to a horrific car crash, but they were virtually prisoners on the very planet their mother had fled from years ago. And now her virginity was a burden she had to remove, if she wanted to escape being bartered for a bunch of weapons and military support. 9

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Her fists clenched. Over and over, the advice Erin gave her on how to arouse a man swam in her head. She wasn’t stupid. She knew what men and women did together. God knows, she’d read enough erotic romances. But to do it, to actually do it, was a daunting task. One she wasn’t sure she could accomplish. “Go. Now,” Varan ordered in a gruff voice. “You’re wasting time.” Kate swallowed and peered up and down the darkened hallway. The Pagan dungeon was a throwback to the medieval era on Earth. Sconces lit the cold, drafty sublevel where they kept the prisoners. She had to go in now—she couldn’t put it off any longer. Varan had told her he’d used valuable money to bribe the guards into slipping away and giving her time to do the deed. God, I wish I wasn’t a virgin. I wish I was a femme fatale who had the confidence to saunter through the door and fuck the prisoner’s brains out. Sweat broke out on her forehead. But she wasn’t. She was just plain Kate McAllister from Miami, Florida. What the hell did she know about seducing a man? She moved forward, taking one last glance at Varan behind her. The door swished open silently and she stepped through. Squinting in the darkened room, she spotted the table positioned squarely in the middle. She could barely make out the huge form lying on the top. As she stepped closer, a light came on overhead, startling her. The man was strapped to the table, his arms and legs spread-eagled, a blindfold covering his eyes. He was naked. Kate gaped, shifting for a closer look. Even through the ugly discoloration and dried blood that crusted his skin, she could discern his handsome features. Tightly muscled, his body was a work of art—even with the numerous cuts and bruises he sported. Wow. Billy McKay was positively fat compared to the superb musculature of this man. His slim hips cradled his flaccid cock. A flush spread over her cheeks. Even soft, his size was considerable. Erect, he must be intimidating. For the longest time, she just stared. This man was better than any girl’s fantasy. Tearing her eyes reluctantly from there, she slid her gaze down to his thickly muscled thighs, strong calves and big, long feet. A hysterical giggle bubbled in her throat. I guess it’s true what they say about men with big feet. “Supa ni ka?” The deep voice, more of a growl really, startled her into jumping back. Kate didn’t understand a word he said. Peering down at him, she wished she could see his eyes. Though he obviously couldn’t see her, his head cocked towards her, seeking her out by sound. She swallowed the lump that suddenly lodged itself in her throat. Awake, he was intimidating, even shackled as he was. His thick shock of brown hair had light and dark highlights that glinted under the meager lighting. His nose was long and straight, if slightly crooked. And his lips. Really. Those full, sensuous lips were so wasted on a man. “Supa ni ka?” he repeated harshly, angling his head towards her. “I-I don’t understand what you’re saying,” she whispered.

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He froze before he inclined his head towards his manacled hands, rattling the chain, indicating she should release him. “Took len.” Kate found herself moving to obey before she caught hold of herself. The authority in his voice had had her following him instinctively. She drew herself up to her full five and a half feet, lifting her chin and shaking her head for good measure, though why, she didn’t know. It wasn’t as if he could see her. “That’s not my job.” A thunderous frown formed on his wide forehead. He pulled on the manacles once more, the loud noise piercing the silence. “Took len!” She rushed to his side, laying a hand on his arm, trying to quiet him down. “Please. It’s all right. I won’t hurt you.” The prisoner shook off her touch. “Took len.” A sigh escaped her lips. This was not looking good. She chewed on her lip, wondering what she was going to do now. But what else was there to do but go on? “I need to use your body,” she blurted out. The prisoner snorted in disdain. I know he doesn’t understand me but I have to explain somehow. Desperation began to take root in her. “I-I need to have sex with you.” His nostrils flared and he just stared straight ahead. “Do you understand me?” she asked, worry in her tone. “I need to—” In desperation, she touched his cock with her finger. He tossed his head, his hips bucking. “Ni.” I’m guessing that’s a no. Her voice grew stronger, and she straightened her shoulders. “I need to have sex with you.” His lips curled into a sneer as he flailed on the cold, stone slab he lay on. “Ni.” She flushed. God, even prisoners of undetermined species didn’t want to have sex with her. And he couldn’t even see her. The humiliation of it all pissed her off. “You can’t stop me,” she scoffed in a disdainful tone. “In case you haven’t noticed, you’re all tied up.” He didn’t reply, just stared straight ahead, his jaw locked tight. Kate reached out and held his cock. It was soft and warm to the touch. With determined fingers, she fondled him, waiting for his reaction. Some minutes later, she gave up. No matter what she did, he didn’t get hard. His cock remained soft and flaccid in her hands. Glancing up, she saw his lips part in a derisive smile. He then gave a contemptuous laugh. “Ni va’ca.” Even with the language barrier, Kate understood that. He was mocking her for failing to arouse him. Her face went beet-red. Clenching her fists, Kate hesitated for a moment before fleeing out the door. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. What was she going to do? Trying to seduce the prisoner had failed. Erin would figure something out. They had to think of something else.

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***** Jed released a harsh breath after he heard the door close. She was gone. He hadn’t understood a word she’d said. Along with the rest of his system, his language translator chip had been damaged, too. But he didn’t need a computer to decipher what she wanted. His brain wasn’t damaged. She wanted to mate with him. She sounded young and unsure of herself. He cursed the black cloth that covered his eyes and prevented him from seeing her. His system had crashed, but there was a backup vid-rec built within his computer chip. A small but powerful battery gave it a separate power source and the recorder would continue functioning. However, he’d have to wait after his com-plant was repaired before he could view its contents. With the damage he’d received, he couldn’t call up an image of her from his memory bank. What did she look like? If he closed his eyes, he could imagine her. But it wouldn’t be the same. He wanted to see her. Why would she want to mate with a prisoner? She couldn’t possibly be planning to get pregnant with his child. Karn’alian Cyborgs didn’t get a female pregnant if they didn’t wish to. His com-plant regulated the release of life-giving particles in his bodily fluids. With his implant malfunctioning, the chances of getting a child from him were nil. That couldn’t be the reason. It was frustrating not to understand what she was saying. What were the cursed Pagans up to now? For a moment, he allowed himself to relax. His whole body ached, his muscles protesting at every movement. He’d used up most of his reserve energy halting his body’s instinctive reaction to her hesitant, untutored caresses. He slumped back on the cold slab of concrete they’d manacled him to. Every part of his body hurt. The Pagan soldiers had had a field day beating him to a pulp. Experts at torture and pain, they’d concentrated on the parts of his body that would bring him maximum agony. There were a couple of places where he’d lost feeling, numb and bloody. With his com-plant disabled and rendered useless, he wasn’t able to perform even minor self-repairs in his system. His wrists were injured from the numerous times he’d strained against the steel encasing them, testing their strength. For the thousandth time, he cursed himself for volunteering to go to the Fourth Quadrant of the Sentari Galaxy. It was an area fraught with traps, a lawless piece of space territory where double-crossers, pirates and known criminals abounded. It was also a Pagan stronghold. He’d become complacent, thinking it was an easy mission. Get in and get out. He’d never expected to find Amari, his childhood love. His bloody fists clenched. Amari had been missing for years. She’d been on one of the ships that escaped, along with her aunt. Before she boarded the ship, he’d promised her they’d be together again soon. But the ship had been lost. It was a stroke of pure luck that he found her working at a merchant station in the Sentari galaxy. He’d been overjoyed at finding her. But things had ended in disaster. On the way back to his ship, they’d been ambushed. Amari had been shot in the battle that followed, killed on the spot. He shut

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his eyes against the vision indelibly printed in his memory bank. He would never forget the image of his beautiful Amari, lifeless and bloody, left in the dirt like some common criminal. His heart had died with her. A fresh surge of anger welled up inside him. In the ensuing melee, he’d been outnumbered by Pagan soldiers patrolling the outpost. A captured Karn’alian Cyborg was indeed a prize. He’d struggled and fought like a crazed man, but he’d quickly been subdued. He would kill all them, every single one who’d participated in the ambush that day. Once again, he performed a quick check of his com-plant. Pretty much everything was malfunctioning except for the homing beacon that regularly transmitted his location to the home base. Things didn’t look good. His only hope was that somebody from home would receive the transmission and send in a team to extract him. Until then, he thought with angry frustration, he was helpless. Jed flexed the aching muscles on his back, gritting his teeth against the fresh onslaught of pain. The Pagan soldiers had eventually subdued him with a powerful electric shock that had temporarily immobilized his system. His lips tightened with cold fury. He hated feeling helpless. It brought back memories of his nightmarish childhood—when his beloved home planet of Karn’al was invaded by the Pagans. He’d been forced to watch as his parents were shot, unable to do anything, helpless in the tight hold of a Pagan soldier. He’d struggled, but was held fast. The Pagans took him prisoner then, a slight, sickly boy without any family. To ensure he would never fight against them, they’d gouged out his right eye. This was a common practice among the Pagans. They killed the men, raped and enslaved the women and maimed the children. When the underground rebellion began, he’d been one of the first to volunteer to train to fight. Though young, they took him, needing all the help they could get. Scientists and doctors fitted him with a computer-controlled eye, one that was infinitely better than what he had been born with. When he’d grown to full size, he’d joined in the fight against the Pagans with a vengeance. Now here he was, caught by the very enemy he swore to kill. Hate and anger that he thought he’d long exorcised resurfaced. He took a deep breath. He was no longer a boy. He was a grown man who wasn’t powerless. He was a Cyborg, trained to defend and protect his beloved Karn’al from any and all that threatened it. He ruthlessly suppressed his anger. Emotion had no place on the battlefield. He needed to focus, to concentrate. Find an avenue of escape. Once an opportunity presented itself, he was going to do just that. Once he was free, he was going to teach the Pagans a lesson they wouldn’t forget.

***** Kate fled from the room, tears of frustration running down her cheeks. She ran smack into Varan, who’d been standing guard right outside the door.

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She wiped the tears away with the back of her hand. “I couldn’t do it.” Varan gripped her arms. “What happened?” She hiccupped. “I don’t know.” Pulling a deep breath in her lungs, she tried to stem the frustration and humiliation filling her. “I touched him to try to arouse him. But nothing happened. He didn’t get hard. He just lay there, sneering at me, mocking me for failing.” “You have to try again, Kate,” Varan ordered firmly. She raised wounded eyes. “He’s not responding. There’s nothing I can do.” Varan shook his head. “Try harder. It is imperative that you lose your virginity before you face the Lord Commander’s physician.” “Isn’t there another way?” she asked, desperate. “Maybe I can use a-a sex toy.” She refused to flinch at the thought. Right now, she would anything, anything at all, to solve this problem. “That would do just as well, wouldn’t it?” His lips tightened. “Don’t you understand? Using an artificial implement to discard your virginity doesn’t alter your untouched state. They will know that you’ve never been penetrated by a man. That’s enough to make you fair game for Prince Zandor.” “How will they know?” “Trust me,” he replied flatly. “The Lord Commander’s physician will be able to tell if you’ve been with a man. He’ll torture the truth out of you if necessary. We need to make you as unappealing to Prince Zandor as possible. He only wants pure, untouched girls.” His voice was harsh, unbending. “We don’t have much time.” Varan was clearly losing patience with her. “Do I have to impress upon you again how important it is that you achieve this tonight?” Kate shook her head hopelessly. “I can’t do it.” Varan’s lips thinned with displeasure. “Your mother was the only one of us who dared to escape, to get out from under Pagan control. Would you let her sacrifice be in vain? You don’t want to be a pawn in the Lord Commander’s game.” She blinked away her tears, scared and confused. Now more than ever, she wished she was more like her sister, who had an abundance of self-confidence. Erin wouldn’t hesitate to do what was needed. She wouldn’t balk at going back in there. Why couldn’t she be more like her sister? “I can’t do it. Why won’t you believe me?” Varan’s gaze hardened to steel. “Prince Zandor is a sick, perverted man who likes to use women harshly. When he tires of them, he gives them away to his men, to rape over and over again while he watches. Females have no say in that society. That is why virginity is such a precious commodity. Only royals and highborn females have the privilege of keeping theirs until they’re mated. If I know the prince, and I do, you will wish you were dead instead of with him. He is a vicious, cruel ruler who won’t hesitate to kill you if you so much as displease him.” Kate was horrified by the images he painted.

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Varan went on, sparing her no detail. “Prince Zandor values no one. Believe me when I tell you that this is the best way to go.” He inhaled deeply. “I loved your mother. Long ago, I thought she loved me too. She would have expected me to protect you. That’s why you will go back in there. You will seduce this prisoner. Once. Even twice for good measure. But you will do this, Kate. There’s no other way.” Resentment flared inside her, but she clenched her fists and squared her shoulders. He was right. She had to do this. “And after that? What then? How will my sister and I escape this wretched planet?” He frowned. “For the moment, I do not know how. I will think on it. Now, do what you have to do.” “Fine,” she snapped, her hand pressing the button that activated the door. If they were to have any hope of escaping this wretched place, she’d have to get the prisoner to have sex with her.

***** The sound of the door opening reached Jed’s ears. Every one of his muscles went tense, his body tight as a bowstring. She was back again. He’d depleted his remaining energy when he’d resisted her efforts at arousing him. He had none to use now. He mentally girded his remaining strength, getting ready for battle. Although she treaded quietly, he heard the soft swish of her footsteps as she came forward, stopping just a few inches away from him. Her breathing was steady, not choppy like earlier. There was something different about her. She seemed calmer. His senses went on high alert. I don’t like this. He fixed his face into a fierce scowl behind the blindfold and inwardly cursed the language barrier that existed between them. With a few choice words, he could have her scurrying back to where she came from. But bound and helpless as he was, weak and incapacitated, he was very limited in ways to scare her away. The deep breath she took reached his ears. He remained still, his face turned towards her, trying to discern every little sound she made. Frustration ate at him. He wanted to see her, look into her eyes and terrify her into leaving him alone. For the longest time, she didn’t say anything, just stood close by. The longer he waited for her to make her move, the angrier he got. He hated being toyed with. His fists clenched, impotent fury knotted tightly in his chest. If he could just get out of these manacles and make some necessary repairs, he’d tear this whole fucking place apart. “My name is Kate.” Once again, she spoke in that strange language he didn’t understand. “I don’t know why they’re holding you prisoner, or what you’ve done to deserve this. I’m sorry they hurt you like this.” Although he couldn’t understand a word of what she was saying, her soft voice began to have the most incredible effect on him. His anger gradually lessened, the

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husky, melodious sound easing the tension in his body. The pain slowly began to ebb away. He resisted. She’s one of them, he reminded himself. Don’t forget that. Jed turned his face away from her, hoping she’d get the message and leave him alone. She simply moved to the other side. “I really wish you could understand what I’m saying. It would make it easier for both of us.” Her tone was earnest, almost pleading. His lips thinned, still refusing to look at her. Her voice was doing strange things to his body, drawing a reaction with her odd, lilting accent. What was wrong with him? She was the enemy. He took a deep breath and willed the heat slowly unfurling in his body to die down. Resist. This is all part of her plan. With desperation, he scoured his energy sources, hoping there was something left somewhere that he could use to halt his body’s reaction to her. “Please listen to me.” When she cupped his chin and forced him to look at her, he was grateful for the blindfold covering his eyes. He didn’t want to see her. Just hearing her voice had the strangest effect on him. By the Gods, was his brain addled, too? Was he damaged far more than he’d thought? What was wrong with him? He’d been beaten, electrocuted and bound by the enemy, her people. Why would he react to her this way? He kept his face impassive, showing no reaction, but secretly wishing he could see her. What did she look like? Would she have long, flowing hair and lips that begged to be kissed? He drew his thoughts to an abrupt halt. Cease this madness right now. She’s one of them, remember that. But his body did not heed his mind. As he depended on his senses to tell him what she was doing, his imagination ran wild. He felt weak and unable to resist the allure of her voice. Without his com-plant controlling his body, he was almost powerless. By the Gods of Karn’al, he was a fool. “I have to do this.” Her voice was breathy, tentative, almost embarrassed. “I have to lose my virginity tonight. It’s—it’s very important that I do so.” How he wished he could understand what she was saying. Jed felt like he was fighting a losing battle, but tried to hang on to his sanity. Remember who she is. She’s the enemy. He mustn’t succumb to this weakness. “There’s no one else,” she continued softly. Her voice became stronger. “With you, I-I could be in control of how…” she trailed off and took a deep breath. “I have to arouse you now. I can’t fail,” she finished on almost a whisper, as if she was telling herself. All his senses screamed in warning as he heard a soft swish of clothing. His heart almost leapt out of his chest as something fell to the floor. What was she doing? Had she taken her clothes off? His head cocked towards her, trying to decipher her actions, but he heard no more. Her scent rose in the air, filling his lungs, dominating his senses. He could imagine her body, generously proportioned, perfect for him. Jed steeled himself as much as he could, filling his mind with memories of the murderous ambush that led to his capture. Anything at all to divert his attention from 16

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what he could feel was coming. When her touch came, he jerked away. But where could he go? He was tied down, helpless. The first touch of her warm palm on his chest was like a shock. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to remain calm and unmoved. Her fingertips moved in circles, in random patterns on his skin. The light touch left tingles running under his skin. His muscles contracted when her hand slid down to his stomach. As a last-ditch effort, he turned his face towards her. “Ie panga kalai muna,” he declared in a steely voice. “Rreke kalan man.” I swear vengeance upon you if you touch me. His hopes dimmed when she ignored his words. With a light touch, she swirled invisible patterns on his skin. Her breathing accelerated, as if he fascinated her, as if she’d never touched a man like this before. This thought provided the impetus for the reaction he didn’t want to produce. His cock grew, swelling and stiffening rapidly to its full length. Jed tightened his jaw, cursing his undisciplined reaction to her touch, angry with himself for his lack of control. “Oh my.” The awed sound of her voice inflamed him further. He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes tightly, steeling himself for what would surely come next. She took his cock in her hand and squeezed gently. Jed bit back the moan that threatened to erupt from between his lips. The thick heat rapidly swirling through his system grew in intensity when she began a gentle massaging motion up and down his cock. “Parra.” He ordered her to cease, though his voice lacked steel behind it. She ignored him and continued her ministrations. Jed was consumed by a barrage of sensations he didn’t want to feel. His cock swelled under her touch, welcoming her caresses. The more aroused he became, the angrier he got. He didn’t want this. He didn’t want to feel this way. But his body certainly didn’t mind. “Uu tangan dis,” he growled, mustering enough force to cause her to pause. You’ll regret this. His fists clenched, his wrists bumped painfully against the unyielding steel. “Please don’t be angry,” she pleaded in her strange language. “After this, you won’t ever see me again. Please understand that I have to do this.” She didn’t speak anymore, concentrating on rousing him further. She ran a finger over the slit on his cock, taking him completely by surprise when she tongued him down there. He grunted, singed by the heat that surged inside him. She did it again, rimming his cock with her tongue. Jed grimaced. The pleasure of her touch was incredible. He was having a hard time resisting her, and that only made him madder. She fitted her lips over the broad head. It was only by sheer will that he managed not to thrust up and inside her hot, tight little mouth. When she took him deeper, his eyes almost crossed behind his closed eyelids. When he touched the back of her throat, he wanted to shout in rage. Her inexperience showed when she gagged. He shook his

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head and shut his eyes, grateful yet resentful at being denied the sight of his cock in her mouth. He knew he was nothing but an experiment for her, yet he wanted to see his cock stretch her lips wide apart. She inhaled deeply before pushing on. Desperate to distract himself, he ran a full system diagnostic on his com-plant, looking over minute details he could have missed earlier. Anything to get his mind off her soft lips and soft tongue currently licking up and down his cock. He bit back a groan when she laved the ridged head, tracing the mushroom-shaped tip around and around. Fuck. She was merciless, determined to bring him to heel. His teeth clamped down, trying to stem the unstoppable tide that carried him along. She spent a long time kissing, tonguing, licking and sucking his cock. He was harder than he’d ever been in his entire life. When his shaft came out of her mouth with a gentle pop, he released the breath he wasn’t even aware of holding. His relief was short-lived when she scrambled on top of the stone slab and straddled him. He growled in protest and struggled, bucking and straining to get her off him. But she held his cock in her hand, and her knees gripped his sides tightly as she tried to position his shaft at the opening of her slit. Although she was successful in placing the ridged head in her narrow opening, she wasn’t so successful in getting him inside. Jed’s blood pounded in his ears as she kept on trying to take more of his length inside her. His cock rubbed against her wet pussy, torturing him, driving him crazy. He became angry with himself. He didn’t want this. Yet he craved it, he ached to drive his cock between her slick lips and rut in her. “Oh God, I can’t.” The frustration and tears were evident in her voice. A part of him cheered that she was having such difficulty. Good. Maybe she’d see the error of her ways and leave him alone. But another, more insistent, part of him wanted to fuck her. He wanted to drive his cock through the tender lips of her pussy and sheathe himself to the hilt. She tried once more, lowering herself gingerly with a grimace but stopped short. To his surprise, she leaned down and pushed up the blindfold covering his eyes. “Please. Help me,” she beseeched. Their eyes met. The first thing he noticed was the vibrant green of her eyes, full of pleading. He didn’t need a language translator to tell him what she wanted him to do. That needy little voice was his undoing. Though he didn’t understand the words she said, the imploring note in her voice pushed him past his better judgment. With a curse, he braced his feet on the slab and, ignoring the pain that reverberated through his battered body, pushed up and slid his length into her. Shock made her freeze on top of him. His cock pulsed inside her, clenched tightly among moist, slick inner muscles. He was grappling with surprise himself, at the unmistakable, fragile barrier he had broken through. She’d never mated with anybody

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before? Against his will, he reveled in the thought and the pleasure of being the first to mate with her, of being clasped in the smallest, tightest pussy he’d ever had. “Oh,” she gasped. She moved, instinct guiding her. Experimentally moving up and down, impaled on his cock, Jed was treated to the sight and sounds of an innocent learning pleasure for the very first time. Her skin glistened damply with sweat, her breasts quivering with pleasure. Unwittingly, he aided her by pushing deeper, higher inside her. Her moan slid like silk over his skin. Jed was torn between the pleasure battering his senses and the fury he felt at being helpless against this seduction he didn’t want. He tightened his jaw and tried to stem the tide of hot lust that swelled in him when she rotated her hips experimentally from side to side. He kept his muscles stiff, refusing to give in to his instinct to thrust up when she rose on her knees and almost dislodged him. He almost swallowed his tongue holding back a groan when she impaled herself to the hilt. Don’t enjoy it so. She’s taking something from you that you didn’t want to give. But even after he repeated it over and over again, it had no effect whatsoever on his susceptible body. This woman was too much to bear. With something akin to angry desperation, he gritted his teeth and turned his face away. But looking away didn’t shut down his senses against the pleasure coursing through his system. Her moans vocalized her enjoyment, getting louder and more breathless as she neared orgasm. In the next moment, she let out a gasp before she stiffened. Jed gritted his teeth, feeling the strong contractions of her pussy against his cock. Her orgasm triggered his, and he spewed his hot seed deep inside her clenching channel. The sharp pulses beat at his senses, making him tremble. He ignored the rush of throbbing pleasure, refusing to acknowledge what this inexperienced female gave him. She slumped over him, her heartbeat thundering against his chest. It wasn’t long before she straightened and scrambled off him. It was only then he turned his face to her, not bothering to hide the anger on his face. “Thank you.” Her finger touched his lips. “I’m sorry for doing this to you.” Pulling his blindfold down to cover his eyes once more, she turned and walked away, the door closing silently behind her. Jed didn’t respond, trembling with a combination of pleasure and anger until silence once again filled the room. Long after she left, their mingled smell remained, the unmistakable scent of sex hanging in the air. It accompanied him through the next few hellish hours as sleep refused to give him peace. The silence was his only companion until a powerful blast rocked the structure. Three more blasts sounded in succession, and chaos erupted. He heard men shouting outside in the hallway, panicked shrieks that filled the prison block. The Pagan fortress was under attack? Hope began to live once more inside him. If his fellow Cyborgs had staged a rescue mission, he would be free. Soon he would be released from this hellhole. But he would find her somehow. And exact his revenge.

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Chapter One Miami, Florida 2258 AD

“Yes, Erin,” Kate reassured her sister dryly. “I will make every effort to meet a man on the cruise.” Erin rolled her eyes. “Kate,” she began in her best I’m-older-so-I-know-better voice. “How long ago did I buy the ticket for this cruise? A year? A year and a half ago? If I hadn’t badgered you into it, you still wouldn’t be going. This singles cruise is the best thing for you.” With a snap, Kate closed her suitcase. “I’m going, aren’t I? I’ve even packed those ridiculously tiny bikinis you insisted on getting me.” She barely stopped rolling her eyes. As if she was ever going to wear three triangles of crocheted cloth. Yeah, right. “I even brought along five-inch killer high heels that will probably break my neck.” Her sister grinned. “Good. Those are a sure thing.” With a sigh, Kate sat down on her bed. “Erin, I know you mean well. But is this really necessary?” “Definitely,” she replied without hesitation. “You’re twenty-four, Kate. You haven’t had a serious relationship since—since I can remember. What are you waiting for?” Kate squirmed uncomfortably on the bed. “I just haven’t found anybody that’s interesting, that’s all.” Erin snorted. “You’re awfully choosy. You find something wrong with every man you meet.” She shrugged carelessly. “And that’s my fault?” Erin pouted. Kate couldn’t get mad at her. She really meant well. She looked at her sister’s thick, black hair falling in artful curls to her shoulders. Erin was naturally beautiful and attracted men like flies. She was slim and svelte. No matter what she ate, she never gained a pound. Whereas she… Well, everything she ate seemed to go directly to her hips. Men weren’t exactly beating down her door. “Every man I’ve ever introduced you to, you’ve found something wrong with,” Erin complained. “They’re too tall, too thin, too blond, too dark. What am I going to do with you, Kate?” She rolled her eyes. “How many times do I have to tell you, Erin? Earth men don’t like—”

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“Chubby women, I know,” her sister finished dryly. “You’ve said that a thousand times, Kate. It’s all in your head. You’re not chubby. You’re voluptuous. You’re curvaceous. Most of all, you’re beautiful.” Kate frowned. “Of course you say that. You’re my sister.” Erin’s sigh was long-suffering. “You’re just too preoccupied with your body to see the real you, Kate.” She stepped closer, turning her around to face the mirror. “I wish I had your green eyes and bright red hair. I wish I had your breast size,” she added dryly, looking down at her chest. “I could use some help in that area.” “You’re beautiful and you know it,” Kate scoffed. “So are you,” Erin insisted. “You just lack confidence in yourself. You have to believe that you’re beautiful before anybody else can.” Kate didn’t respond, looking at herself in the mirror, trying to see what her sister was talking about. But all she saw was an average-looking, overweight woman. She groaned. “Why’d you have to buy me those bikinis? It’s such a waste, Erin. You know I don’t look good in any kind of swimsuit.” “Nonsense,” Erin dismissed. “For heaven’s sake, Kate, open your eyes and truly look at yourself. Women would give anything to have your curves.” “I’m going to look like a fat sausage squeezed into that tiny bikini,” she grumbled. “What do I have to say to convince you?” her sister argued, starting to sound impatient now. “You’ll look absolutely smashing in that bikini. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” “The problem is, I’ve got too much of it.” Kate was beginning to get a headache from arguing with her sister. Erin had browbeaten her into going on this cruise, had sat with her while she confirmed her reservations and handpicked her wardrobe. Erin wrapped her arms around her, squeezing briefly. “Ever since we escaped from the Pagans, you haven’t been the same. Do you want to talk about it?” Images of a man bound to a cold slab flashed into her mind—mounting him, taking her pleasure and then walking away. Kate quickly brushed it aside. “You just can’t help but play the big sister, Erin. I’m fine, really. You don’t have to worry about me.” “But I do,” her sister countered softly. “Just promise me you’ll enjoy yourself, participate in the activities and give it a chance. Who knows? You might actually meet a man at the cruise who’s worth keeping.” Kate gave a tense nod and forced a smile to ease the lines of worry on her sister’s face. “All right.” A sunny grin parted Erin’s lips. “Good. Now let’s get your stuff in the transport. We don’t want you to be late.” She clapped her hands. “Oh, I’m so excited for you, Kate. You’ll have so much fun on this singles cruise. I promise.”

*****

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Kate went directly to her cabin after checking in. She stood on the threshold, surveying her home for the next week. Sunlight poured in through the opened drapes. The butter yellow paint made the room look airy and bright. A round coffee table with a cushioned chair was at the corner. The queen-size bed with its bright sheets dominated the small space, topped by the requisite pillows. How much did Erin spend to get this cabin? Accommodations like this must have cost a fortune, not to mention all the preplanned activities that came with the package. Her sister obviously wanted her to have the best and enjoy herself in the process. Kate was touched by the thought. As an older sister, Erin always looked out for her. Even now that she wasn’t a kid anymore. A sigh feathered between her lips but she was unaware of it. Pulling the expensive new suitcase Erin had insisted on buying for her, she strode into the room. So far, the men she’d seen were typical. There were the business types, of course. There were the tattooed and pierced everywhere types. Then there were the nerdy types, trying awfully hard to lose their geeky image. She grimaced. Why did I let Erin bulldoze me into doing this? This was so wrong. She was not the world’s wittiest person, she wasn’t outgoing, and damn it, she hated feeling like meat on display at a market. If necessary, she could stay in her room the whole time. She grinned and patted the side pocket of her luggage. Her sister didn’t know she’d stashed away a couple of her favorite romances, just in case. Kate dragged the suitcase to the bed. Behind her, the door closed with a resounding click, followed by the loud electronic snap of a lock falling into place. She froze. Though the carpet muffled the sound, there was the unmistakable heavy tread of a man inside the room. Kate whirled around, clutching her purse, ready to whack him on the head. The scream hovering on her lips died as she saw who it was. Him! The prisoner from the Pagan dungeon. She was sure she looked like a fish out of water with her mouth gaping wide open. A thousand questions flitted through her head, but she couldn’t vocalize any of them. The man standing in front of her bore little resemblance to the bruised and shackled man six years ago. Now that he was standing upright, Kate realized just how tall he was. Well over six and a half feet, his sheer size and bulk were intimidating as hell. He was as gorgeous as she remembered, only different. There was a hard glint in his eyes that gave her pause. His lips had a cynical, cruel edge that hadn’t been there before. Her eyes got reacquainted with the taut muscles of his body that she’d explored that night— from the ripped, defined power of his upper body down to the corded strength of his thighs. A black holster crisscrossed his torso, and he had a lethal-looking weapon at his side. The scream she’d thought lost came to the surface, piercing the silence. His eyes blazed with a sudden anger. Rushing to her, he clamped a large hand over her open mouth. He whipped her around before she could blink. It took mere seconds, but she

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found herself subdued and unable to move. He held her easily, effortlessly, and swung her under his arm. Kate kicked and flailed, her blows having absolutely no effect on him. With his free hand, he picked up her suitcase and purse and swung them under his other arm. Pushing a button on his belt, he transported them out of the little room. A kaleidoscope of colors burst behind her tightly shut eyelids. She felt a weird, circular, dizzying motion. It must have been almost instantaneous, but her stomach roiled like she’d just been on a really fast roller coaster. When she opened her eyes, she felt nauseated, woozy and disoriented. She gasped as he suddenly let go and she slumped on the floor, her suitcase and purse landing right next to her. When the wretched feeling had passed, she looked up to confront him. With dismay, Kate realized she was no longer in the spacious cabin on the cruise ship. “Look, I don’t know what you want—” He raised a large hand to stop her words. “Tamma.” “I-I don’t know why you’ve brought me here but—” He stepped towards her, instantly dwarfing her. She gulped. With wide eyes she watched him approach, while scrambling backwards on her knees. She cried out as he wrapped his hand around her neck. He’s going to kill me. But he only held her steady as he slipped something into the shell of her ear. A sharp, stinging sound pierced her eardrum and Kate doubled over in pain. Through the haze of agony, she realized he was speaking. “It’s an organic language translator.” Her eyes widened. She could understand him! “It’s programmed with all the known languages in twelve galaxies,” he went on in a harsh voice. “When you’ve absorbed the knowledge it contains, it will simply dissolve into your body.” Kate rubbed her aching head and looked at him warily. “What do you want from me?” “I am Jed, Cyborg of Karn’al. I’ve waited a long time to find you and exact my revenge.” Her stomach plummeted as his words sank in. Cyborg? Revenge? Oh my God, she was in very real danger here. Kate didn’t know whether to scream, run away or try to talk her way out. “What happened that night…” she began, her voice trembling. “I want to explain.” His eyes gleamed with steady purpose. There was nothing subtle about the menacing air that surrounded him as he shifted closer to her. “It’s too late for explanations. From now on, you are my prisoner, Pagan princess,” he concluded in a mocking voice filled with satisfaction. She didn’t know how he’d found her or where he’d come from, but now wasn’t the time to start asking dumb questions. Run, Kate!

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Since he was blocking the door, she had to get through him first. Gripping her luggage tightly, she hefted it against him, hoping the impact would knock him aside. But he simply deflected the blow and deftly took the suitcase from her hands. Her eyes widened in shock. That small hesitation was all he needed to grab her and pull her against him. She landed against him with a thud. “Let me go,” she demanded furiously, struggling against him. He simply stood still as she flailed, waiting until she was exhausted and slumped against him, breathing heavily. “Look,” she gasped, trying frantically to reason with him, “I don’t know what you think you’re doing. But on Earth, you just don’t take anybody. We have rules. Laws.” She began to get desperate as he just looked at her impassively. “People will look for me when they find out I’m missing. They will hunt you down.” Jed gave a short, humorless laugh. “They won’t know where to look for you,” he announced smugly. He hefted her over his shoulder. Kate pummeled his back with blows and was even able to get in a few well-placed kicks but they didn’t faze him. In sheer panic, she yanked at his hair. “By the Gods!” he blurted out as his head snapped back. In retaliation, he smacked her ass with the palm of his hand. Kate shrieked at the stinging pain. “You bastard.” He simply spanked her again, harder this time. The sting robbed her of breath, momentarily halting her struggles. That was all the time he needed. Before she knew it, he dropped her on the bed and her arms were tied to restraints. In quick order, her legs were similarly bound. She shut her eyes, hope fading with every second that passed. Her struggles proved worthless. The restraints didn’t even budge. He grasped her wrist, examining it closely. “You hold the mark of a Pagan.” The little mark on her wrist. The one she’d asked her mother about when she was a child. Her mother had casually brushed it off and called it a birthmark. Only years later did she find out the truth. The odd-shaped mark was one that all who possessed Pagan blood carried on the inside of their wrist. The revulsion she glimpsed in his eyes made her go cold. Terror was a very real thing that clutched at her heart. “What are going to do to me?” His lips curled in a poor semblance of a smile. “The same thing you did to me, Pagan princess. I believe you call it an eye for an eye.” “I only did what I had to do,” she confessed in a broken whisper. “You took from me what I did not want to give.” His voice was cold and full of pent-up fury. “The Pagans destroyed my home, killed my people and almost killed me.” He stood straight and tall, pride etched on his visage. “You have to pay.” Putting one knee on the bed, he methodically began to cut away every piece of her clothing. The horror of her situation was never clearer to her than at the moment. The alien warrior wielded the sharp knife with clinical detachment, getting ready to exact 24

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payment for what she did to him years ago. Tears pooled in her eyes. He was without mercy. What was the use of begging? When he roughly tore her blouse from her with one pull, she looked away. Just let me survive this, she prayed. I don’t want to die this way. When he tossed the last piece of her clothing away and left her totally naked, she bit her lip and choked back her cries. The plea for mercy that hovered on her lips died at the steely determination glinting in his eyes. This was a man who wouldn’t be dissuaded from his path. With resignation, she waited for him to mount her. Please. Just let it be over soon.

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Chapter Two Jed stared at the woman that had haunted his dreams for so long. All he’d had to go on was an image of her voluptuous body as she undulated above him, straddling his hips. He had played and replayed the footage he recovered from his backup recorder system once he was healed and his com-plant repaired. For years, it’d been the only thing he had to go on. Her fiery red hair was a vibrant burst of intense color that provided an interesting contrast against the pale bed sheet. His gaze caressed the jutting mounds of her generous breasts and the creamy expanse of smooth skin. Reality was infinitely better than the grainy vid-image his backup system had recorded that night. The sight of voluptuous curves and sweet-smelling skin was a pleasant shock that he didn’t want to acknowledge. He looked his fill, insisting to himself that the hunger that suddenly flared to life within him at seeing her unclothed was fueled by his thirst for revenge. This Pagan princess had the audacity to fuck him while he was helpless and unable to spurn her advances. Now he was going to do the same. Ignoring the mark on her wrist that proclaimed her bloodline, he ran his palms gently over the softness of her bare skin. He realized he did not want to mar it with bruises. His anger ebbed, replaced by a fastspreading firestorm of lust. He frowned but didn’t stop to analyze. He was going to have her. Now. Jed cupped her breasts, marveling at her silky skin, admiring their perfect fit in his hands. Brushing a nipple, he thought he heard a whimper from her but could not be sure. “Look at me,” he growled. She didn’t comply. “Foolish Pagan princess,” he mocked, forcing her head to turn towards him. But her eyes remained tightly shut. “I tire of this silly game of yours. Open your eyes and look at me or risk the consequences.” After a moment, her stormy green eyes opened and glared at him. Satisfied by the small victory, he pinched the luscious crests, just enough to cause a reaction. “Ahh!” she gasped in shock. He’d never seen nipples that were as large and ripe as berries. Over and over again, he ran his fingers around the areolas, watching them stiffen and become erect. When he bent and tongued a tip, he wasn’t satisfied with one brief lick. He needed more. Curling around the nubbin, he laved again and again, pushing the little button over and around his tongue. It was not enough.

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Opening wide, he pulled her breast into his mouth and was immediately struck by the pleasure it gave him. Her flesh was soft and supple, pliable, perfect. He sucked hard, alternating between small bites and long licks. His senses, always calm and in control, began to whirl. He really shouldn’t be deriving so much pleasure from her, should he? But how could he not, when she tasted like nectar from the sweetest fruit? He deserved to feel pleasure from having her—he deserved to enjoy the feel of her breast in his mouth. After all, she had taken her pleasure of him, too. He switched to her other nipple, lavishing it with the same thorough attention. Her skin was so fragrant. He’d never known the Pagans to pay much attention to hygiene. He’d always remembered them as foul-smelling savages who cared naught about their appearance. The scent of her pussy lured him over the soft swell of her belly. Her skin tightened where his lips passed, her moans came in increasing frequency. Protest or enjoyment, he did not pause to analyze. He wanted to taste that spot between her legs. Jed positioned his body between her widespread thighs, bending low on the bed. Her musky, enticing scent rose in the air, wrapping around him, tempting him beyond anything he could ever remember. He looked up, catching the distress in her eyes, the wariness and the dread. “Please, don’t,” she beseeched in a whisper, her nostrils flaring with every breath. Color spread across her cheeks as their eyes met over the length of her body. “An eye for an eye,” he rasped, inches away from the glistening pink shell of her pussy. Lust was beating relentlessly at his control. With not-quite-steady fingers, he pulled open her flesh and traced the moist crevice with his eyes. She whimpered and bucked her hips, trying to dislodge him. But it had the opposite effect. It only brought her pussy closer to his lips. At the near contact, he lost every semblance of control and obeyed his urge to consume her. He fastened his lips to her pussy and ate. “Oh God!” she cried out. Her words went right over his head as a honeyed taste exploded in his mouth, tart and sweet at the same time. He curved his hands under her hips and lifted her up, impatient, unable to wait one second longer. But her bound legs didn’t give him much leeway. With a growl, he reached down and unlocked the offending things, releasing her, pushing her limbs wide apart and making room for him between her thighs. Jed sucked and licked, focusing all his energy on tasting her. The thin, fine curls that crowned her mound felt as soft as silk, tickling his nose. But all he could think of was the taste of her pussy. “Stop,” she moaned desperately. He laughed, the strained sound vibrating from him to her. Need, intense and demanding, beat incessantly at his system. Gripping her hips tightly, he sucked the

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swollen little button at the top of her sex deep into his mouth. She screamed. He was relentless. Using a combination of tongue and teeth, he tortured her sensitive clit until she cried out on a harsh gasp and came. She was still trembling when he reared over her. Jed took in the dazed look on her face as she stared back at him, her moist lips parted with each harried breath she took. “Please,” she whispered. Taking his cock in hand, he rubbed it against her, again and again. Her eyes drifted shut. “Open your eyes,” he commanded, his breath quickening at the feel of his cock sliding wetly against her soft pussy lips. The anger that had shadowed his feelings for so long was—at that moment—no longer dominant, as pleasure pulsed through him. He had to fuck her now. Finding the tiny opening of her pussy, he positioned his cock and slid all the way home. Her gasp and his groan mingled, both sounds wrung from the pleasure that came at the joining of their bodies. Jed gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, taking a breath to still his rioting senses. But his body was no longer ruled by the com-plant, it was a beast after only one thing—satisfaction. He pulled out, clenching his jaw at the tight suction of her inner muscles that tried to hold him in. His ears buzzed. Tingles began at the base of his spine. By the Gods, not yet. He thrust inside once more, sheathing his cock from tip to base. Again and again he fucked her, finding pleasure in the taut clasp of her pussy as he plowed as deep as he could. Drops of sweat rolled from his body down to hers, her creamy skin glistening in the harsh light of his ship. Low moans escaped from her, until she bit her lip and forced them back down. Clamping a hand on her chin, he held her still as he lowered his face to kiss her. But she shook his hand away, trembling violently, even as her body canted open to receive his thrusts. “No!” He froze, holding his shaft still, deep inside her. “You think to deny me?” “I don’t want you to kiss me,” she bit out in a husky voice. Displeased, Jed began a leisurely stroking that inched deeper, farther than he’d ever reached before. He raised an eyebrow at her gasp of pleasure. “No?” “No,” she moaned. “Ohhhh.” It does not matter, he told himself as he tunneled in and out of her hips. Concentrating on holding back the orgasm that was threatening to explode, Jed focused his energy on prolonging his pleasure. But his body had different ideas. The intense sparks started at his feet, traveling up to the base of his spine, signaling the imminence of his orgasm. Gritting his teeth, he gripped her hips and fucked her faster, deeper, intent on completion. “Ahhhh,” she whimpered as she shuddered.

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The strong contractions of her pussy triggered his orgasm. With a harsh groan, he thrust deep into her and came, jerking against her, closing his eyes at the wave of bonejarring pleasure he felt. At that moment of blinding ecstasy, one thing was clear. Once was not enough. He wanted to fuck her again and again. He wasn’t going to let her go after this. Not yet. Kate lay stunned by the force of her orgasm. The satisfaction that sapped all her energy and turned her limbs to water was unlike anything she’d ever felt. Well, no, she corrected herself. There was one other time she’d felt like this. The first time she had sex with him. God, what was wrong with her? He was a savage brute, a kidnapper who was only intent on revenge. And this man had reduced her into a moaning animal begging for more? Color flooded her face. What the hell was wrong with her? Why had she been an eager participant in something that was meant to hurt her? But he didn’t hurt you, a rational voice inside her head said. You enjoyed every moment that his big cock was inside you, fucking you. No. Don’t think about that. “Now that you’re done,” she began, hiding her ambivalence behind cold disdain, “take me back home.” Jed raised himself on his elbows and looked down at her. “I’ve changed my mind.” She looked at him warily. “What do you mean?” He cupped her breast and tugged gently at her nipple. “I’ve decided to keep you longer.” “You can’t,” she protested, aghast, pushing away the shivers of delight that came from his touch. “You said an eye for an eye. You’ve done to me exactly what I did to you. Now you have to let me go.” A smile pulled at his lips. “Are you telling me you do not wish to repeat the experience?” Kate had forgotten that he was still inside her. He thickened and lengthened, pushing against still-pulsing, still-sensitive muscles. She shuddered. “No,” she gritted out in a blatant lie. “I do not wish to repeat it.” Holding her gaze, Jed casually rotated his hips and grinned when a small whimper came from her. “Your body tells me otherwise.” With all the energy she could muster, she heaved and used her legs as leverage to dislodge him from on top of her. “You bastard! Get off me!” Of course that had no effect. He merely shifted over to the side and slowly slid out of her. She was panting heavily, glaring at him, but the long, thick cock that jutted from a nest of dark curls at his groin snagged her attention. God, he was so…so… At his low laugh, her eyes snapped back up to meet his. “It’s a shame you seek to deny yourself with your lies.” His fisted hand circled his cock, slowly moving up and down caressingly. “Are you sure?”

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She gulped and ignored the temptation beckoning at her. “I’m positive.” He shrugged. “I’ll leave you for now.” He turned away. “Please let me go.” Jed stiffened. “No.” When the door closed behind him, Kate slumped on the bed. Her arms ached, her body throbbed, and her heart was full of fear. He wasn’t going to let her go. What was going to happen to her? She refused to cry. Right now she had to figure out a way to get herself out of this situation. She had to think of a way to escape.

***** Jed set the coordinates for his course then switched to autopilot, the onboard computer taking over the flying of the ship. He leaned back in his seat and sucked in a deep breath. He’d left Kate tied to the bed, her eyes throwing daggers at him. When he’d looked in on her a few moments ago, she’d been sound asleep, her body relaxed in its slumber, splayed out on the bed. In what was becoming a predictable reaction for him, he grew erect at the sight of her shapely body on display for him. A fleeting glimpse of her pussy had revealed pink lips that still glistened with slick moisture. With a grimace at the way his blood suddenly pumped thick and heavy in his loins, he’d quickly unlocked her hands from their bonds and left without so much as glancing back. He made sure to activate the lock on the door to prevent her from wandering around. Why had he decided to keep her? He rubbed his face. All along, his plan had been to do the exact thing she’d done to him and leave. But this sudden change of heart meant he had to rethink his plans. He couldn’t take her back to Karn’al. Dakara was the logical choice. You should have taken her back to Earth and left her there. It was too late now. He’d made his decision. He would have to go forward with it. Besides, how could he have known that having her once wouldn’t be enough? He sat back and propped his feet up on the edge of the control panel. Ever since he’d been rescued from the Pagan stronghold, he’d had one goal. Revenge. He’d been weak when they found him, nearly unconscious, and the damage to his system had been extensive. His com-plant had to be replaced. Infection had set in on his leg, and he’d needed extensive surgery. While he lay in the infirmary, his anger slowly grew into cold fury. Amari, beautiful and innocent, had died at Pagan hands. They cheated him of the chance to be with the only woman he’d ever loved. He’d had a lot of time to let his anger fester into major proportions. With grim determination, he’d worked towards full recovery, pushing his body past the limits it could take. When he was finally declared fit to return to active duty, he did so with a vengeance, volunteering for the most dangerous missions, risking his life again and again.

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A plan was born in his mind, a plan to get even with his captors and get back at the woman who’d compounded his humiliation. For a long time, he’d scoured the Sentari galaxy, venturing again and again into enemy territory, putting his plan into motion. He’d cut a bloody swath of destruction among the Pagans—so much so that he had built a reputation for sheer ruthlessness and cold-blooded daring. All this brought about by his bitterness at witnessing his beloved Amari’s death, the humiliation of being bound and beaten—and the ultimate insult of being seduced by a Pagan woman. But his plan for revenge had been hampered by the fact that nobody seemed to know who she was. Then he chased a Pagan transport ship halfway to the Primus Galaxy and captured the captain, who gave him some vital information about two females he’d secretly transported to a small, faraway planet called Earth. He had finally found the woman he’d been searching for. Kate McAllister. Now that he had her, he didn’t want to let her go so soon. It didn’t matter to him if this revenge was no longer an eye for an eye. He was not bound by any law to return her to Earth, was he? Not at all. He was a Karn’alian Cyborg. It was his right to seek revenge for the wrong that had been done to him. Kate was his prisoner. She was his to do with as he pleased.

***** Kate looked dejectedly out the small porthole, absently rubbing her reddened wrists. They must be traveling really fast, if the powerful surge of the engine beneath her feet was any indication. This can’t be happening. Surely this is a dream, she thought as she childishly closed her eyes. When I open my eyes, I’ll be back on the cruise ship, getting ready to mingle with other single, desperate people. But when she opened her eyes, she was still there. Nothing had changed. She strode to the door and searched for a way to open it. There was no visible control panel. Running her fingertips down the side, she felt nothing that would even indicate a power source. When she placed her ear against it, all she heard was the quiet humming of the engine. There was no sound outside. Emotions raced through her like lightning. Anger. Fear. Pleasure. That last had color rushing to her cheeks. No matter how she rejected the notion, there was no way around it. She had derived pleasure from having sex with her captor. A lot of pleasure. The thought didn’t sit well with her and only increased her frustration. What was wrong with her? Apparently, she’d left her pride somewhere on the singles cruise, because she’d eagerly participated in Jed’s crazy revenge scheme. She sighed. He didn’t look anything like she remembered. He looked…harder, different somehow. There was nothing soft in the sharp angles of his face. There was no denying the strength in the corded muscles of his body, the power he possessed. She shivered. And his cock. She’d certainly been eager by the time he’d wedged that huge thing inside her pussy. 31

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Dejectedly, she wondered where he was taking her. Erin had dropped her off at the port where the ship was docked. Her sister didn’t have any idea what had happened to her. Erin wouldn’t know she was missing for a whole week. The door opened and she glanced up. Jed walked in, an intimidating figure in dark pants and a massive, bare chest. Kate glared at him but took one step back. “Take me home,” she demanded. His lips curled in a humorless grin. “Why would I do that, when I have such big plans for you?” Her stomach sank at the feral look in his eyes, but she lifted her chin. “I suppose men like you don’t follow a code of honor? This is hardly the same thing I did to you.” The anger that suddenly took over his expression was frightening. “Do not talk to me about honor, Pagan princess. Your people know nothing about fighting with honor. They kill without hesitation and their cruelty knows no bounds.” He made a cutting gesture with his hand. “Don’t ever talk to me about honor.” Kate clenched her fists. “I’m not one of them.” Jed raised an eyebrow. “Are you telling me you’re not Pagan?” “My mother was Pagan, but she fled her home when she was a young woman,” she explained in a rush. “But my father is from Earth and that is where I grew up. I have been trying to explain to you what happened six years ago.” She inhaled deeply, hoping against hope that he would actually listen to her. “I had no choice but to do what I did. I had to lose my virginity that night. My life would have been in grave danger if I didn’t.” Her revelation didn’t even faze him. “Your excuses don’t matter,” he dismissed. “Your fate was sealed the moment you took me into your body despite my objections.” His eyes flared with anger. “But I-I had no choice!” she protested. His face hardened. “Neither did I. And now, neither will you.” Tears of frustration threatened to spill over. Kate held them back by sheer will. “Your capture was not my fault! It’s the Pagans you should take your revenge on, not me.” For a moment, his mask slipped and she caught a glimpse of the cold, terrifying fury he held inside. “I did. I have killed more than my fair share of Pagans for what they did to me. I will kill many more for what they did to Amari.” “Amari?” “My beloved,” he declared stiffly. “She was killed when I was captured.” Kate was momentarily speechless. There was a strange, unsettling feeling in her chest at finding out he loved another. But she brushed it aside. It was only compassion. “I am very sorry for your loss,” she offered in a quiet tone. “But punishing me won’t bring her back.”

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“You think I do not know that?” he snarled. “Amari was the only woman I have ever loved. We were on our way back to Karn’al when we were attacked by Pagan soldiers. I was forced to witness her death.” She ached for him inside, but this whole thing was crazy. “My only crime was in having sex with you. Don’t you think it’s only right to let me go?” Jed stepped closer to her, bringing a hand up to touch her cheek. “I enjoyed being inside you.” Flushing, she took a step back, his nearness making her uneasy. “Stop.” When he merely followed her, she kept retreating until the wall behind her prevented it. The heat from his body was like a furnace. Why was he so damn hot? Her pulse jumped wildly as she held out a hand. “No.” He merely smiled. “Yes.” Swallowing the lump that suddenly lodged in her throat, she lifted her chin in a defiant gesture. “You can’t force me.” He suddenly laughed out loud. “Who’s going to stop me? There’s no one else around but you and me. And where we’re going, nobody will help you.” “You’re despicable,” she spat out, clenching her fists impotently. It was true. She was helpless, powerless to stop him. “Only a sick, chauvinistic monster would get a thrill out of terrorizing a helpless woman.” Anger had replaced the fear she felt. Now she was just pissed that this Cyborg warrior would exact revenge on her when God knows, she’d had no evil intentions when she had sex with him. “Sick, chauvinistic monster?” he repeated mockingly. “That’s right,” she bit out. He laughed. “These words of yours, they’re amusing. It’s good that I have a complant able to translate your more unusual phrases.” His eyes ran over her, frowning when he took in the jeans and shirt she’d donned. “I don’t like this garment you are wearing.” “I don’t really care what you like.” His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He picked up her suitcase quite effortlessly and dropped it on top of the bed. The lock didn’t even deter him. He just snapped it in two and tossed it aside. Brute! Kate watched as he flipped it open and rummaged through the contents. “You have no right to go through my clothes,” she gritted out. Jed ignored her. Soon most of her things were piled up on the bed. Quite a few times, he held up a garment and inspected it before dropping it on top of the rest. When he came to the bottom of the pile, she blushed. He pulled out a silky red bra. “I like this one,” he muttered, his fingers caressing the soft material. He gazed at the bra then to her. “Put this on.” She shook her head defiantly.

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His lips curled. “You have no choice. You are millions of miles away from your world. Nobody knows where you are, Kate. Your life depends on me. I could throw you out of the cargo bay and let you die.” She paled. “You wouldn’t.” Jed’s face hardened into dangerous lines. “Much depends on your cooperation.” “And if I don’t?” Although her voice shook, she glared at him with all the rebelliousness she could muster. “I will make you suffer like I was made to suffer,” he declared with chilling softness. “It took me a long time to recuperate from the torture that was inflicted on me.” Kate’s mind was filled with horrible, unspeakable images. The pain he must have gone through. “It was a while before I was pronounced fit for combat once more.” His eyes took on a faraway look, his jaw clenched tightly. “The many nights I lay on my bed gave me plenty of time to plan my revenge.” He suddenly swung cold blue eyes to her. “I’ve dealt with the Pagans. Now I have to deal with you.” Fear slithered down her spine. “Why don’t you just kill me and get it over with?” He smiled, one that was entirely without humor. “But then it wouldn’t be the same, now would it? Killing you would not bring me pleasure.” He tossed her the bra. “Put that on. I would like to see it on you.” “This is designed to be worn under outer garments,” she bit out through gritted teeth. “I cannot wear just this.” He rummaged once more inside the suitcase and found the matching underwear. “This is a match, is it not? Put that on as well.” She caught it but just crushed the soft silk within her hand. “I’m not walking around here half-naked.” He trapped her with a hard gaze. “Be glad that I am merciful in allowing you to wear anything at all. If I hear any more of your protests, you will be left without clothes to cover your body. Do we understand each other, Kate?” She gulped. She had no doubt that he meant it. His face was pulled into displeased, offended lines. Anger and frustration made her want to scream and stomp her foot, but what was the use? She was in a spacecraft, heading she knew not where, captured by an angry alien she had once forced to have sex with her. Surely there were other, worse scenarios out there? I mean, he could be a reptile covered in slimy scales with a long, forked tongue, right? “I’m waiting,” he announced grimly. “All right, all right,” she blurted out, not wanting to provoke him further. Oh, what the hell. He wanted to see her in this ridiculous silk underwear, did he? Well, he’d get what he deserved when he saw her plump body squeezed into them. Kate angrily pulled off her shirt. Next she attacked the button and zipper of her jeans. Her face was

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red, as angry as the thoughts going through her mind. He’d seen her naked anyway. What was another little thing to humiliate her? But it was something that hit too close to her heart. She knew she wasn’t svelte. She knew she wasn’t beautiful. This was the last straw. She was so mad and embarrassed she didn’t even want to look at him. She didn’t stop her angry motions until she was totally naked, bending to pick up the red panties where she’d dropped them on the floor to put them on. “Stop,” he ordered hoarsely. Kate froze, wondering what the hell was wrong now. She straightened with reluctance, hot anger still coursing through her system. When he began to walk towards her, she bit her lip to stop its trembling. “Such beautiful, bountiful breasts,” he murmured, more to himself than to her. He cupped one in his hand, his thumb flicking over the nipple. Her breath was lost as soon as he came near her. Kate didn’t dare move or even bat an eyelash. She was flooded with hot tide of electricity at the contact with his skin. Her nipple tightened and pushed impudently against his palm. When he rotated his palm over the stiff crest, she clenched her fists and closed her eyes. “Turn around,” he rasped. God, now he wants me to turn around? For what? So he can see my big ass? Kate tossed her head and clenched her fists. “I want you to know that I’m doing this under protest. I neither like nor want to be on display this way. I hate it, do you hear me?” Tears pricked the corners of her eyes but she blinked them back. She’d be damned if this…this alien reduced her to tears. Jed frowned. “I’ve already seen you naked. Explain why you are upset that I want to look at you.” “Explain what?” she retorted sharply, goaded beyond endurance. “Explain why I hate being on display like this? You wouldn’t understand. You’re a man, after all,” she added disdainfully. “What does my gender have to do with it?” he wondered, somewhat confused. “On Earth, women have been conditioned to think that thin is beautiful,” she tossed at him angrily. “I’ve endured fat comments, jokes and insults. I’m so sick of it.” Her anger erupted into a scalding fury. “I refuse to suffer through the same humiliation with you, do you hear me? I don’t care if I’m fat. I don’t care what you think!” After her sudden outburst, Kate felt deflated. She’d realized Jed was just staring at her, not saying a word, a thoughtful and assessing look in his eyes. Her anger drained away, leaving her feeling stupid. What did he know about human males and their penchant for skinny, bony women anyway? Nothing. She was barking up the wrong tree here. “Are you quite finished?” he asked quietly. Her shoulders slumped and she nodded. “I believe I asked you to turn around.”

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Kate bowed her head and did as he ordered. This was it. Her humiliation was complete. Not only was she a captive of an alien warrior, she was a humiliated, fat captive forced to display her body. Silence descended on the room. Kate didn’t move a muscle, standing still. When long moments passed without him saying anything, she began to wonder what he was thinking. What did he see? Was he just standing there looking at her? Just when she decided she was going to turn around, he cleared his throat. “We’ll reach our destination in a matter of hours.” When she faced him, she detected a slash of red color across Jed’s cheekbones. His nostrils were flared. Her eyes narrowed as she searched for signs of laughter on his face. She found nothing. “When I come back for you, I expect you to be wearing that,” he pointed to the red bra and panties. “I won’t endure any more of your protests. Whatever you feel, keep it to yourself.” His curt voice lashed across her skin like a whip. “There are much worse things that you can endure than what I have planned. Be thankful that I’ve decided to let you live.” With that, he walked out of the room without looking back.

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Chapter Three Jed expertly maneuvered his ship into the docking bay after receiving clearance to land. The spaceport at Dakara was bustling as usual. Ships of all shapes, sizes and origins were plentiful. It was a thriving merchant society, affluent and successful. A soldier walked into his view. And well-guarded, too. The Dakaran army was considered one of the best in the known galaxies. He took a deep breath and felt himself relax a little. Next to Karn’al, Dakara was his second home. The two planets were located in the Genexan Galaxy, in the middle of the Prime sector. When the Pagans had invaded, Dakara was one of the few planets able to put up a resistance. Technologically advanced and protected by a superior army of Galactic Hunters, they’d withstood the ruthless attack of the Pagans. But, occupied as they were in protecting their home turf from the persistent enemy, the only help they’d been able to send Karn’al were the scientists and doctors who crafted an army of Cyborgs out of broken and mutilated Karn’alian survivors. It was Dakaran Galactic Hunters who’d trained the Cyborgs in the art of warfare. For that, the Karn’alians would forever be in Dakara’s debt, and a close partnership was born. Dakara was where he’d spent much of his recuperation and that was why he decided to bring Kate here. This was the perfect setting to put his plans for her in motion. At the thought of her, Jed felt a vague stirring in his loins. The sight of her bare body, those lush breasts, her rounded hips and fiery hair would forever be burned in his memory bank. And her ass. He’d known a lot of females of different species, but he’d never seen a backside like hers. His com-plant registered a sudden spike in his body temperature and he felt his mouth water. It was the same sharp, intense lust he’d felt even after he fucked her. Why she didn’t flaunt her voluptuous figure he couldn’t understand. She had the body of a goddess. He powered down his ship. Programming the onboard computer to lock down, he secured everything before he made his way to Kate’s room. She was looking outside the small porthole when he walked in, unaware of his presence. By the Gods. She had indeed donned the red ensemble he chose. He swallowed. The brief material did little to cover up her buttocks, instead faithfully molding the generous curves of the cheeks, outlining the heart-shaped ass. In an instant, his cock had become painfully engorged. “Kate.” He winced inwardly at the huskiness of his voice. She would think him a weak fool for being so affected by the sight of her. She jumped and whirled around. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

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His gaze was drawn to her chest, where most of her breasts were on display in the tight-fitting garment she called a “bra”. His cock twitched in his pants. “We must go.” “Where are we?” He didn’t answer, instead approaching her. He frowned at the way she contained her hair in some kind of band at her nape. Reaching behind her, he released the thick tresses, ignoring her protests. Jed fingered a tendril and marveled at its silky texture. “What are you doing?” Unable to help himself, he bent low and sniffed the fragrant curve of her neck. He’d never smelled anything like her scent before. “Hold out your hands.” Kate frowned, and though her gaze was wary, she held out her hands in front of her. “What…?” Jed fastened handcuffs on her wrists. His gaze dropped to the odd little mark on the inside of her wrist and his lips tightened. It was a constant reminder that she was Pagan. The handcuffs were attached to a chain that he hooked onto his belt. Her gasp of outrage sailed over his head as he turned towards the door. “You don’t need to do this.” He could hear the barely suppressed fury that shook her voice. He picked up her suitcase, pausing briefly to toss her purse inside before snapping it shut once more. “Follow me.” “Don’t you want to chain my feet too?” she asked sarcastically. “That should complete the picture.” “Don’t tempt me,” he bit out. “If I feel it’s necessary to chain your feet, trust me, I won’t hesitate to do it.” Kate glared at him. “I hate you.” “I don’t care,” he shot back, striding out the door. He could feel her angry gaze boring into his back as she followed him down the long corridor to the docking bay. Without a word, he loaded her suitcase into the hovercraft and checked his supplies. Afterwards, he sat her down none-too-gently and strapped her in before doing the same. With the touch of a few buttons, the cargo door of his ship slowly slid open, revealing the busy space dock of Dakara. Carefully maneuvering the transport, he saw Kate’s wide-eyed gaze as she took in her first glimpse of the colorful planet Dakara. To a first-time visitor, Dakara was a feast for the eyes. Lavender grass contrasted beautifully with blue sky. The planet had many similarities with Earth, having the same yellow sun and breathable air. But the crisp, fresh breeze of Dakara was much better than Earth’s polluted air. “Where are we?” “It’s a planet called Dakara.” He turned and pierced her with his gaze. “We’re millions of miles away from your home, Kate. Few around here would even know of your planet’s existence. Don’t think of asking for help.” He caught a fleeting look of

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disappointment in her eyes before it was quickly gone. That should deter her from entertaining any ideas of escaping. She glared at him with a mixture of defiance and anger. He busied himself with flying the hovercraft and when he glanced at her minutes later, he found her engrossed with the view. Dakara was a prosperous kingdom, made up of two territories, each ruled by a son of the High King. Rohm, the eldest and ruler of Northern Dakara, was his close friend and heir to the throne. Jed knew that though Rohm would no doubt have questions about Kate, he would never interfere. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” “I’d enjoy it much more if I were here under different circumstances,” she snapped. His lips curved, his glance falling to her lips. “Your sharp tongue is beginning to annoy me. We’ll have to find some other use for that mouth of yours.” She turned red and merely glared at him, wisely biting her tongue before she made another comment he didn’t like. He smiled with genuine amusement. “You’ll learn yet that sparring with me will get you nowhere, Kate. You’ll also find that Dakara is much like Earth, but with some significant differences.” When she didn’t bother asking what those differences were, he hid a grin. Dakaran society was nothing like what Kate was undoubtedly used to. She’d find out soon enough. Satisfaction coursed through him as he thought ahead, already looking forward to the events he’d planned. He decided to overlook the fact that he was eager to begin, could hardly wait in fact. Desire flowed thick and fast in his body, pooling at his groin. But he didn’t think to question that. He’d been deprived of sex too long, which was why he was acting like a randy youngster. Kate was just a prisoner. Nothing else.

***** Kate bit her lip. In the midst of her wonder at the beauty of this place, her predicament was never far from her mind. She was a prisoner. Abducted by a Cyborg intent on vengeance. She refused to shed tears. She would not cry. Only simpering, helpless women cried. She had to figure out a way to deal with this situation. Whatever happened, she would handle it. Her fate rested on getting away from him. Her mind raced. She had to escape somehow. How was she going to ask for help? I’ll find a way. Wherever he was taking her would be the place to start finding an avenue of escape. She stole a look at him. Jed stared straight ahead, his big hands controlling the small craft effortlessly. Her eyes slid to his fingers, long and capable, easily maneuvering the steering lever. His strength was evident everywhere in his body.

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While he was busy flying the transport, she tugged on her restraints. It was useless trying to slip her small hand through the cuff. It was tight—he’d made sure of that. First chance she had, she’d get away. But her chances were getting slimmer as they sped across the gently rolling Dakaran countryside. All too soon, they reached their destination. A huge stone structure loomed ahead—big, imposing and sprawling. It should have looked dark and gloomy, but the stone was polished white, gleaming brightly under the sun. Set on top of a hill, surrounded by miles of lush lavender grass, it was a stunning sight to behold. Smaller buildings dotted the landscape, all of them constructed in the same stone. It was grand and beautiful, a testimony to the riches of Dakara. It was hard not to gawk as she followed Jed inside the grand foyer, looking up at the soaring ceiling. Her eyes widened. It was adorned with a mural, a series of men and women in different sexual positions. Her cheeks turned a deep red. It was so…so explicit. Couples painted in the act of sex, their body parts in realistic detail. Unable to tear her eyes away, she bumped into Jed as he suddenly stopped in front of her. “Oh,” she mumbled. “I’m sorry.” He caught the furtive glance she threw the mural and raised an eyebrow in amusement. “It’s very interesting, is it not?” Her eyes lowered. “I suppose. If you like that kind of stuff.” “It doesn’t interest you?” he asked. “The pictures don’t arouse you, Kate?” She felt her cheeks turn red hot. Damn it. Why does he have the ability to make me blush? I’m not some simpering prude. I’m a modern woman! Kate lifted her chin. “I prefer a little subtlety.” Jed stepped closer, bending towards her. “Look up,” he commanded in a low voice. His breath feathered over her cheek, his lips dangerously close to hers. “Look at the picture on the left, where the man has bound the woman with silk scarves.” Her gaze involuntarily located the picture he was referring to. A powerfully built man rose over a petite, voluptuous woman bound to the bed. The attention to detail was amazing, she noted, as she traced the bulging muscles of the man’s body down to his sizeable cock. The woman was clearly in the throes of ecstasy, her lips parted and her eyes sultry with desire. Her nipples were two hard points as she arched against the man. Heat began to unfurl inside her but she ruthlessly squashed it. “What about it?” A shadow of a grin pulled his lips apart and a wholly sensual look crept into his eyes. Kate shivered as his breath brushed against the shell of her ear in the lightest of touches. “I definitely want to put you in that position again.” Excitement threatened to swamp her and her breath caught in her throat. But she schooled her features into a bored expression. “I suppose you’re into dominating women?”

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Jed looked into her eyes, thoughtful and assessing. “You do not find it the least bit arousing?” “No,” she tossed back. “I can’t accept that tying your partner up or incorporating pain with sex is necessary.” His hooded gaze landed on her lips. “You wouldn’t like it if I were to spank you?” Kate shook her head stubbornly. “I don’t believe in pain.” “But pain, when used appropriately, has been known to heighten pleasure,” he countered in a silky tone. “Not for me,” she declared, daring to disagree with him. “Count me out. I don’t like those kinds of games.” His big hand came up and cupped her breast. Her flesh seemed to swell in his palm, welcoming his touch. Kate clenched her fists. “We will see, Kate,” he whispered. “Your reactions make a mockery of your words.” Her narrowed eyes snapped to his, but whatever comeback she was about to make died on her lips when Jed turned away from her. A tall, heavily muscled man was walking towards them, his arms outstretched in greeting. “Jed!” Kate gaped at the newcomer as the two men exchanged greetings. He was huge, deeply tanned, with startlingly golden eyes. His blond hair brushed the nape of his neck. There was nothing soft about his face—it was all harsh lines and hard angles. But there was a frank air of sensuality in the firm curve of his lips, and his eyes glinted with amusement. “Rohm,” Jed acknowledged, returning the other man’s handshake. Rohm grinned. “It’s good to see you again, my friend.” His glance slid over to Kate, one eyebrow raised. “And this is…?” Jed pulled on the chain and drew her forward. Her face reddened as the chain rattled loudly, all but proclaiming her status to everyone who was within hearing distance. Anger surged inside her, humiliation washing over her in waves. “She’s my prisoner,” Jed stated in a matter-of-fact voice. “Ah” was the only thing that Rohm uttered, but it was full of understanding. Jed inclined his head towards his friend. “Kate, this is Prince Rohm, ruler of Northern Dakara, heir to the kingdom. He’s my good friend.” Kate was so upset she didn’t know what to say or do. She bowed her head in respect and lowered her eyes. She sought to block out their conversation, refusing to let all vestiges of hope disappear. I’ll find a way out of here. The deep voice of Rohm drew her attention again. The longer she looked at him, the better-looking he became. He looked every inch the royal, his stance commanding and confident. But he also looked fierce and frightening, even dressed in a thin, white long-

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sleeved shirt and plain black trousers. Dakarans could almost pass for Earth people, with much of the same physical characteristics, except for their pointed ears. That offered her a little relief. At least Jed hadn’t taken her to a planet populated by reptile men. She began to follow as Rohm led Jed down the hallway through ornate double doors. The room was decorated in sumptuous silk and brocade chaise lounges and sofas, with pillows strewn about everywhere. There was a huge, throne-like seat set against the far wall of the room. All around, there were smaller tables and odd-shaped chairs scattered about. Her eyes drifted upward. There were chains suspended from the ceiling. Now that was weird. If it was a receiving room, it was unusual. To her eyes, it looked more like a sexy harem than a place where a ruler would receive his visitors. But what did she know about Dakara, anyway? A stunningly beautiful woman walked quietly through the door and approached Rohm. She was dressed in a very short skirt and she was naked on top, save for a thin chain that hung from clips that were attached to her large nipples. Wide-eyed, Kate watched as she bowed low in front of Rohm. “The room is ready, Your Majesty.” Rohm bade her to stand up. “Thank you, Me’an.” Me’an’s face flushed a very attractive pink as she curtsied. Rohm reached out and flicked her left nipple and the young woman visibly shivered. Kate was shocked by the whole exchange. The prince turned to Jed. “Me’an will take you to your room, my friend. I will see you in a little while so we can catch up.” He grinned. “You have to tell me all about your prisoner.” Jed returned his grin. “My pleasure.” At a nod from Rohm, Me’an led the way down the grand hallway. They turned into another wing and went down another long, ornate pathway. Here, in the inner part of the castle, were signs of life. There were guards and servants. Kate looked curiously at the women. There were two others attired the same way as Me’an, in very short skirts and nipple chains. They were all beautiful, slim and full-breasted. What the hell kind of place was Dakara? She waited until Me’an left them inside the opulent room before she turned to Jed. “What is this place?” Jed placed her suitcase and his duffel bag by the foot of the large bed. “What do you mean?” Kate spread her hands. “The women. Why are they dressed like that? Or should I say undressed?” She eyed him suspiciously. “What kind of place is Dakara?” He used the chain to pull her to him. “Are you scared, Kate?” She stiffened but didn’t resist. “I’m not scared.”

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Jed smiled softly. “Dakara is a very special place. Despite having advanced technology, it is still very old-fashioned in some ways.” “How so?” He held her gaze. “Here, women know their place.” Kate fell silent. There was a decidedly anticipatory gleam in his eyes, as if he was waiting for an outburst from her. She took a deep breath. Don’t rise to the bait. “And where would that be?” “Ready and open to receive any kind of pleasure a man wants to give her.” His words washed over her in waves of heat. Why, oh why, was her body so quick to react to him? “In Dakara, women are submissive.” Kate couldn’t stop her snort at that. “You don’t agree?” She glared at him. “Why should you care what I think? I’m just a prisoner, right?” He chuckled, a husky sound that caressed her skin. “Ah, I forgot. You don’t believe that pain sharpens your pleasure.” “I hardly see anything pleasurable in getting hurt,” she bit out, goaded beyond endurance. “No?” he asked. Without any warning, he gave her ass a firm tap. Kate jumped, the sting from his hand radiating outward from her buttocks. “Are you saying that you didn’t like that?” Ignoring the swirling heat that started in her stomach, she shook her head. “Not in the least.” Jed’s lips firmed. “Be careful that your sniping attitude doesn’t earn you a spanking.” Kate clamped her mouth shut and settled for glaring at him. “That’s right.” His hand glided over the same cheek that he’d spanked. Up and down, warming the spot that still stung. Kate clenched her fists and did everything to control her suddenly rapid breathing. The last thing she wanted was for him to notice how his touch affected her. “You would do well to remember that you are a prisoner, Kate,” he reminded her. “Your well-being depends on staying in my good graces. I will only tolerate so much of your sharp tongue.” He gave her another firm smack on her ass. “Remember that.”

***** Rohm handed Jed a yellow-tinged concoction in a fluted glass. After raising his glass in a brief toast, Jed sipped the cool tumbah, savoring the slide of the tangy-sweet, potent beverage.

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“So, are you going to tell me what this is all about?” Jed swirled the liquid in his glass. “It’s complicated.” Rohm chuckled. “I’m all ears, my friend.” He settled comfortably on a large, wingbacked chair. “She’s very beautiful. Unusual coloring. All that fire-colored hair.” Hearing the admiration in his friend’s voice, Jed’s lips quirked. “She has a temperament to match.” “Fiery and beautiful,” Rohm murmured. “Even better. Are you going to tell me why you brought her here?” He shrugged. “It’s personal.” Rohm pursed his lips. “You’re a guest in my kingdom. I could very easily order you to tell me what your business is.” A grin tugged on his lips. “But I respect you and your privacy, my friend. I suppose it’s not a coincidence you brought her here during the Feast of the Full Moons?” At the slight shake of Jed’s head, Rohm nodded. “Ah.” There was a wealth of meaning behind that one word he uttered. “I gather she has no idea what we do to celebrate the feast?” “No.” The prince threw his head back and laughed. “This will prove to be very interesting.” At the thought of revealing to Kate what happened during the Feast of the Full Moons on Dakara, Jed felt a stirring in his cock. It was only the novelty of the situation that was making him react this way at the thought of bedding her again. Nothing else. After a few more fucks, he wouldn’t react so strongly and so easily. He was firmly focused on completing his revenge. He’d already taken care of the Pagans who captured him. The only one left was Kate. And soon, he would be done with her too.

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Chapter Four Kate muttered furiously to herself as she tugged without any success at the crocheted bikini that Jed had ordered her to wear. It was another one of those outfits that Erin had bought for her and insisted she bring on the singles cruise. She’d never intended to wear it and just packed it to satisfy her sister. As she stood in front of the full-length mirror that took up one whole wall of the room, she stared at her reflection. It was something she hated to do because the reflection was usually unforgiving. Now wasn’t any different. In her eyes, she looked fat and frumpy, trying hard to squeeze into the beautifully stitched bikini that hugged her curves. Her lips tightened. The bikini had a nude-colored lining and it wasn’t revealing any strategic body parts, but to her it revealed enough. Once again she cursed Jed’s arrogance. Tossing the bikini at her and telling her to wear it without waiting for her response! He just took it for granted that she would do as he ordered. That, more than anything, really pissed her off. Who the hell did he think he was? But you’re wearing it anyway. Kate tried to block out the mocking inner voice in her head. Of course she’d worn it. What was she supposed to do? And what kind of gathering was it going to be if she was showing up barely dressed? Her cheeks flamed. Just remember nobody knows who you are. You don’t care what they think. They can all go to hell. The door opened and Jed walked in. He was dressed in his usual trousers, but with a loose, billowy shirt this time. He came to a stop behind her and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Kate whirled around to face him. “Satisfied?” His gaze dipped to the mounds of her breasts, revealed by the low-cut bikini. “I will be.” She reddened even further. His meaning wasn’t lost on her. “You’re disgusting.” His eyebrow rose. “I believe I told you to keep your feelings to yourself.” He fingered her hair, looking absorbed. “I like your hair.” She tossed her hair back, dislodging his hand. Her hair was another thing she didn’t like. If she didn’t take the time to blow it dry, it was a riotous mass of curls. All her life she’d longed for silky, straight hair. Jed frowned before abruptly turning away. “We must go.” He unlocked the chain around the bedpost and clipped it to his belt. “Must you do this?” she hissed. “It’s not like I can go anywhere. You don’t have to chain me to your side.” “You’re a prisoner, Kate.” His jaw tightened. “Or have you forgotten your status?”

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A fierce anger welled up in her. Kate glared at him. “Of course not,” she spat out coldly. “How could I forget?” Jed didn’t deign to answer, just walked through the door. Kate seethed as she followed a few steps behind him, heaping all kinds of curses on his back. If looks could kill, he would be dead by now. In the back of her mind, she admitted to herself that her well-being depended on staying in the good graces of this…this Cyborg. But she wasn’t about to roll over and let him walk all over her. Physically there was very little she could do to resist him, but she’d be damned if she’d just shut up and accept whatever punishment he chose to dish out. Kate noted that the castle was bustling with people. This feast must be a big event, she thought. The whole place was ablaze with lights and colorful banners and streamers. Most of the women servants were dressed in white tunics. The absence of the barely dressed females that she’d seen earlier was conspicuous. Kate shrugged. Maybe they were the private harem of the prince she’d met earlier. Jed led her through several doors, down a maze of long hallways before passing through an ornate archway. The theme of the mural in the grand foyer was repeated here, with very explicit paintings and drawings adorning the walls. Kate studiously avoided looking at them, staring straight ahead and concentrating on following Jed. The room was lit by dozens of wall sconces, aided by artfully shaped candles scattered about different corners. Large pillows were strewn about the floor, alongside elegant silk chaise lounges. There were a number of people lounging about, all dressed in elegant and expensive-looking attire. The low murmur of conversation ceased as the rattling of her damned chain proclaimed their arrival more effectively than if they had been announced. Blatant curiosity showed in the gazes now focused on her. Though she could feel the flush that was now spreading over her face, Kate raised her chin and glared right back. The chain clunked loudly with every step she took. It was only when Jed halted in front of two oversized pillows that the din of conversation returned to normal. As soon as he gestured that this was their place to sit, the double doors at the other end of the room opened. Rohm strode in, looking regal in his red ceremonial attire. It suited him, she thought. His blond good looks were complemented by the top he wore, decorated by some sort of coat of arms on the left side of the chest. He managed to look regal and sexy at the same time. And she wasn’t the only female who noticed. Women were casting him admiring, albeit furtive, glances. He took his place on a plush chair set on the low platform and gestured for everybody to sit down. A respectful silence descended on the group. Kate took the opportunity to look around and observe. She was guessing most of the guests were Dakaran, judging from their pointy ears. Dakarans must be a genetically lucky race, because she’d yet to see an ugly person among them. Even the servants were attractive, hardly a commonplace thing. She settled on the pillow on Jed’s left, unobtrusively sliding back a little bit so she wasn’t easily visible behind his bulk. The prince stood up and addressed the guests. 46

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“Tonight we begin the Feast of the Full Moons,” he began in a deep voice. “It is an age-old celebration of Dakaran way of life, a celebration of our traditions. I am privileged to have you all here with me to witness a very special occasion.” He raised his hands. “Let the Feast begin!” Enthusiastic applause followed his short speech and the doors swung open to admit dozens of servants bearing food-laden trays. A young girl smiled at her and handed her a gilt-edged plate. But Jed stopped her with a shake of his head. Kate glared at him, her growling stomach a reminder that she hadn’t had anything to eat since Jed took her from the cruise ship. God, she was so hungry. As a prisoner, was she to be denied food too? One by one, the guests were offered the foods that were on the trays. Kate looked longingly at the different dishes, their mouthwatering aroma wafting in the air. Her stomach rumbled again. She glared at the back of Jed’s head with active dislike, her irritation growing when a nubile young woman knelt in front of him and began to feed him from a plate she held in front of her. Kate took in the sight with distaste, noting the sensual tilt of Jed’s lips. The stunning, raven-haired woman returned it with a frankly inviting one of her own, before lowering her eyes demurely. Like the women she’d seen earlier today, she was bare-breasted, with only a thin gold chain clipped to her nipples. Disgusting. He shot her a welcoming smile. “Hello, Lela.” The young woman gave him a sweet smile. “Master Jed. It’s nice to see you again.” She fed him another bite, which he eagerly took. Kate’s stomach growled once more. Jed turned and caught her angry glare. “Hungry?” She was so famished she lost whatever pride she possessed. “I am.” Jed opened his mouth, bit the piece of succulent meat the young woman held to his lips and chewed on it slowly. “Prisoners have to earn the privilege of food.” She grimaced at the reminder of her status, reddening at the woman’s pitying glance. “I expect instant and total obedience.” Kate froze, torn between sharp hunger pangs and instinctive protest at his command. He took another piece from the servant, tormenting her with his obvious enjoyment of the meal. “It’s up to you, Kate. Obey me and you can eat. Defy me and you go hungry.” She lowered her eyes, making a last-ditch attempt to quiet the hunger pangs she felt. Sensing that this was a pivotal point in their encounter, she remained silent. But how long could she hold out? She’d never been one to deny herself. Already the hunger gnawing at her was driving her crazy. She needed food, sustenance. After a moment, he glanced back at her. “You want to give in, I know that. I also know that you’re starving. I deliberately kept you from eating anything.” He raised an

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eyebrow. “You cannot go much longer without nourishment, Kate. The human body isn’t made to last without food. The best thing for you is to accept your plight as my prisoner and cooperate.” She hated his tone, at once commanding and persuasive. In the lively hubbub of conversation among the other guests, hardly anybody paid any attention to them. “I hate you.” The young woman looked horrified at Kate’s declaration. Jed’s jaw tightened. “It can’t be more than I hate you and the rest of your Pagan people.” “I told you, I didn’t have anything to do with your capture—” He dismissed her words with an impatient hand. “Your explanations are beginning to irritate me.” His powerful shoulders shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He turned his back to her and helped himself to food from another tray. Kate stewed silently. Her stomach was growling quite vehemently now. “A dead prisoner can’t be of any use to you.” “Make no mistake, dead or alive, I care not,” he stated in a tone that left her no doubt as to his sincerity. “You must be clear on your position here—as my prisoner. You need to learn to curb your prickly temper and sharp tongue.” “Haven’t you humiliated me enough?” “Not even close.” His gaze lowered to her lips. She felt it like a physical touch, and her lips trembled. “All right,” she whispered. “What did you say?” “You heard me,” she replied, defeat in her tone. “I give in. I’m your prisoner, Jed, and I recognize that my well-being rests in your hands. I will accept whatever punishment you decide to dole out in revenge for what happened years ago.” She lifted her chin. “However, I want to know what will happen to me after you’ve grown tired of this little game you play. Are you planning on killing me?” When he didn’t respond, she went on, using the last of her courage before it completely deserted her. “After this whole thing is over, I only ask that you return me to Earth. I would like to see my sister again.” He smiled. Their bargain was struck. Kate didn’t know if capitulating was better, but from where she was sitting, she hardly had any choice. Spirited away from Earth, in a place millions of miles away from home and surrounded by strangers, her only hope of ever going back to her former life was the Cyborg in front of her. She hated the situation he’d put her in, but she would do anything to come out of it alive.

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Chapter Five There was a tense moment when he dismissed the young woman with a flick of his hand. “Thank you, Lela. You may go now.” The young woman stood up gracefully and inclined her head to Kate. “Sumaya.” Kate frowned, unable to understand her. “Sumaya is a universal form of respectful address here on Dakara,” Jed explained. “Don’t wait for a translation. There isn’t any.” He stared at her. “Feed me.” Kate stiffened. Jed stared right back without blinking. It was a battle of wills, one she knew she would eventually lose. In reality, what choice did she have? With a sigh, she shifted in front of him. His eyes traveled leisurely down her body, lingering on the thrust of her breasts. Her nipples tightened under the silk lining of the crocheted top. She could feel herself blushing. It wasn’t the easiest thing to pick up a piece of roasted meat with her hands cuffed together, but she did it. He didn’t move, didn’t lean forward, waiting for her to come to him. Quelling the sudden heat that curled up from her spine, she held the food to his lips, the chain attached to the handcuffs rattling softly with her every movement. Holding her gaze, Jed opened his lips and took the food from her fingers. Kate shivered as she felt the brief swipe of his tongue. “One bite for me, one for you,” he decided, sipping a sparkling yellow liquid from a crystal flute. She lowered her gaze. “Thank you.” She popped a piece of meat into her mouth hungrily. At this point, she no longer cared what she was eating. “It’s similar to what you call chicken on Earth,” Jed revealed on a low tone. Steeling herself, she fed him another bite. Again she felt the swipe of his tongue, only slower this time, more deliberate. Beads of perspiration formed on her forehead. Concentrate on eating and ignore him, she told herself. But how could she ignore it when his touch grew bolder, stayed longer? Once, he even sucked lightly on her finger, his eyes on her, daring her to protest. How could she, when every time he touched her, heat swelled inside her body? Damn it, she shouldn’t like his touch. Not at all. So why did she feel a weird tingling every time he so much as brushed against her? Why was she so acutely aware of every shift and turn of his big body, his mysterious blue eyes, his beautiful, strong hands? And most of all, why was there a telling wetness between her legs?

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With an impatient huff, she held up another morsel and hastily withdrew her hand before he could touch her. Her lips tightened when she saw the glint of amusement on his face. Jed took the glass and held it to her lips. “Here. Drink some.” Kate looked at the yellow liquid suspiciously. “What is it?” “It’s tumbah, a very popular drink here on Dakara.” With the glass at her lips, she could hardly refuse. Tumbah was sweet and tangy, and surprisingly good. It slid smoothly down her throat, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. “It’s very good,” she muttered before she sipped some more. His lips curved. “I would caution you not to drink too much of the tumbah. It’s very potent. It’s been known to have an…unusual effect on those who drink it.” Before she could question him, the lights were turned off. A single glow illuminated the middle of the room. A hush fell over the crowd, anticipation ripe in the air. Jed nudged her to sit in front of him, between his legs. Kate felt surrounded, cocooned in his masculine presence. She quelled the trembling of her body, a reaction to his nearness. Fixing her gaze in front of her, she sat still, unmoving, unblinking. A man strode out of the darkness, clad only in dark leather pants. His bald head shone brightly under the light, his face harsh but handsome. Her eyes widened when he led a naked woman right to the middle of the room, her peaked nipples crowning generous breasts, her pussy smooth and bare. Kate whirled around. Jed’s eyes glittered in the dim lighting. “Just watch, Kate.” The man reached for a set of chains she hadn’t seen hanging from the ceiling and slipped them around the woman’s wrists. Total silence hung over the crowd, and when the woman moaned, it echoed eerily in the quiet room. Kate was frozen, unable to take her eyes off the pair in front of her. With a gentle touch, the man smoothed the hair back from the woman’s shoulders, running his palm down the length of her back. She arched against him, pressing her bare breasts to his smooth chest. Wrapping her hair around his fist, he pulled her head back and captured her lips with a hungry groan. Kate swallowed, her eyes locked on the pair kissing with openmouthed intensity. Every slide of their lips, every lick of their tongues was there for all to see. Unable to blink or even look away, Kate followed the man’s big hands as he cupped the woman’s breasts and squeezed. At the touch, the woman moaned, a sound of tortured hunger, and whispered a plea for more. He threw his head back and gave a throaty laugh. With his leg, he parted the woman’s thighs wider, giving her ass cheeks a passing caress with his outstretched palm. He stepped back, momentarily swallowed by the darkness, emerging once more with something in his hand. Kate looked closely at the object he held, her eyes widening when she realized it was a leather flogger.

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Oh. My. Goodness. The bald man ran the leather strands over the taut peaks of her breasts in a caress, before gliding down to brush tantalizingly against her glistening mound. In the next moment, he raised the handle to the woman’s lips. Instantly, she kissed it with reverence. Kate shivered, unable to believe the scene unfolding in front of her eyes. She stared at the couple without blinking, a tight fist of anticipation knotting in her stomach. The man uttered a low laugh before walking in a circle around the bound woman. Stopping behind her, he ran the flogger over the plump cheeks of her ass, eliciting a violent and visible tremor through her body. The audience seemed to hold its collective breath as he raised his arm. The firm thwack of the leather strands against the pale skin of the woman made Kate gasp. “Be quiet,” Jed murmured in her ear. Kate jumped, startled to realize he was exceedingly close. She could feel his breath disturbing her hair. Her nerves prickled in awareness, but she held herself still. The warm skin of his chest was brushing against her bare back, and if she made the slightest movement, they would be plastered to one another. A moan from the woman in the center of the room drew her gaze once more. The man was now flogging her rhythmically, the firm kisses of the leather strands following a heavy beat. The silence in the room was broken only by the moans of pleasure coming from the woman, earthy animal sounds of enjoyment that were a testament to her feelings. Kate swallowed, mesmerized by the fluid and graceful movements of the arm holding the flogger, following its progress, tracing the reddish marks it was leaving on the woman’s ass. Little drops of moisture glistened on the willing woman’s upper thighs, and she threw her head back, lips parted in pure bliss. God, I can almost feel every blow of the flogger on my own ass. A thick, muscular arm snaked around Kate’s middle. She froze. Jed’s big hand splayed over her front, moving in slow circles. Kate forgot the bondage scene in front of her, forgot the other people sitting in the room, forgot everything. The heat emanating from Jed’s palm singed her skin, and she was unable to voice even a small protest at his touch. His fingers burrowed under the cup of her bra, seeking and finding her stiff nipple. With a small, desperate murmur of protest, she started to turn around, but he held her still. “Just keep watching,” he ordered in a tone that brooked no argument. In the darkened room, nobody paid them any attention. Indeed, it would have been impossible for anybody to discern what Jed was doing. But she knew. No sooner had his left hand cupped her breast than his right hand slipped down her front. Kate stiffened, her handcuffed wrists automatically blocking his progress. Her

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heart nearly jumped out of her chest when he merely brushed her hands aside and with practiced ease, inserted his hand under the bikini bottom. The small moan of protest she uttered was lost as she caught her breath sharply. His long fingers had tangled in the silky hair of her pubic mound. “We’re going to have to remove this. I prefer a smooth, bald pussy,” he murmured in her ear. She choked. Jed ventured lower, swiping quickly at her plump nether lips. “Open your legs wider,” he ordered in a low voice. Assailed by the conflicting feelings of wanting his touch and yet knowing she shouldn’t be enjoying it, she couldn’t move at first. But the wanting proved stronger, more than a match for her weakening resolve. She complied. A wave of disappointment crashed through her when he withdrew his hand. In the next moment, air rushed from between her lips as he traced small patterns on the crocheted material of the bikini covering her crotch. “Do you still find bondage distasteful, Kate?” he asked in a silky tone, making shivers run over her skin. His forefinger circled around and around her clit, the silk lining of the bikini rasping against the sensitive button. “Look at how the female is enjoying the mastery of her lover.” He rubbed directly over her aching clit. “Her pleasure increases every time the flogger meets her flesh. Listen to her moans. She’s forgotten about the people watching her. She’s lost in the pleasure her lover is giving her. Do you think she’s suffering?” The wetness grew between her legs. Kate whimpered. “She’s in another world, a world of pleasure and ecstasy.” Jed squeezed her nipple with his other hand, sending a streak of pleasure-pain through her. There was no way she could have suppressed the moan that slid from her lips. “See what I mean? Given in the right amount, pain substantially heightens ones pleasure.” She was going to go insane. The swirling patterns his fingers were tracing on her silk-covered crotch drove her to distraction. Her hips were beginning to arch into his touch, seeking more. Kate gritted her teeth against the fierce onslaught of pleasure, biting her lip to stem a moan. Her nipple pushed impudently against his hot palm and she trembled at the way he was squeezing and kneading her flesh. “Don’t take your eyes off her,” he instructed, his warm tongue swiping sexily at the lobe of her ear. Through a haze, she looked at the woman still being flogged by the bald man. Her low, animal moans filled the room. Kate felt her own feelings rise as Jed sucked on the skin of her neck, the firm suction a delightful contrast to the light touch of his fingers. Her eyelids fluttered as her senses whirled. Her breath came in pants, her pulse skittering madly. Oh God, she was going to come. Her body, eager for release, was no match for Jed’s insistent touch. Higher and higher she climbed, losing all sense of time and place. 52

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Jed rubbed on her aching, swollen clit, concentrating on the sensitive button, driving her crazy. With a small cry, Kate came. Pleasure slammed into her, robbing her of breath, robbing her of sense. On and on it went, her body violently trembling from her orgasm. Dimly she was aware of Jed holding her tightly clamped to him, the long, disturbing length of his hard cock prodding her back. In the aftermath, Kate slumped against him, dazed and weak. She didn’t demur when Jed delved under her bikini bottoms and plunged his fingers in the wetness surrounding her pussy. Her breath caught in her throat as he inserted two fingers deep inside her. Shocked, she watched disbelievingly as he brought the digits to his lips and licked them clean. “I enjoyed that,” he murmured in an approving tone. “Get ready for more, Kate. We’ve only just begun.”

***** During the walk from the ballroom on shaky legs, Kate repeatedly tried to come to grips with what had happened. The pleasure she’d received from his touch was unbelievable. Again. It rankled. It really did. Why did she find pleasure in his touch? Why was her body so completely in tune with his? He’d played her like one of those old-fashioned guitars on Earth—sensitive to the touch, responding to the slightest strumming. He’d aroused her effortlessly, doing with a simple touch and caress what the other men she’d dated had such difficulty achieving. In fact, she’d begun to suspect she was incapable of enjoying sex. She’d been wrong. The satisfied look that had crossed his face didn’t help any. She knew what he was thinking. She’d been putty in his hands. Cyborg or not, he was a man just like any other. Kate kept her head bowed and avoided meeting Jed’s eyes as he quietly took off her handcuffs. She absently rubbed the skin of her wrist, looking up with a frown as she heard his footsteps leading away. Her eyes widened. She couldn’t believe it when he disappeared from view, heading into the bathing area. He’d left her alone. In a flash, Kate knew this was her chance to escape. Her heart pounding, she dashed to the door and pulled it open. Once in the hallway, she didn’t hesitate. She just ran. Her bare feet made no sound on the cold, stone floor as she ran as fast as she could. Following the path they had taken earlier, she ended up in the grand, main foyer. After the festivities, most of the guests had retired. The only ones up and about were the servants of the royal household. Kate skidded to a halt and walked as casually as she could, trying to look for an exit. She received no more than a cursory glance from some of them, most ignoring her and going about their business. Her eyes darted left and

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right, trying to remember where they entered the palace when they first arrived. A frustrated whimper broke through her lips. She was hopelessly lost! Which way should she take? Tears of frustration threatened to fall, but she blinked them back. Now was not the time to cry. This was her chance to escape and she damn well was going to take it. She whirled around and started in another direction when she spotted a familiar face. “Lela!” The young woman who’d served Jed at the feast looked at her in surprise. Kate approached her. “I need your help.” “I-I don’t understand, sumaya.” Kate pulled her into a darkened alcove and gripped her arms. “I need to get out of here.” She gestured, pointing to herself then pointing away. “Show me the way out.” Lela frowned uncomprehendingly. “Out? I will get Master Jed,” Lela suggested helpfully. “No!” Kate blurted out vehemently, startling the poor woman. “Okay, listen to me. I need to find a ship. To fly out of here.” Lela’s eyes grew wide with understanding. “Ah. The docking port is that way. But—” Smiling with gratitude, Kate took off, ignoring Lela’s call to wait. Traversing the long, often confusing maze of hallways, she finally came to a set of steel double doors. Pressing the square, green button on the wall, she was relieved when it opened noiselessly. Her heart pounded in her chest as she tiptoed inside. She heard men’s voices farther down the way, so she stayed in the shadows behind some metal crates. There was a long tunic on one of the cargo crates, and crouching down, Kate swiped it and slipped it on. From the conversation she could hear between the two Dakaran men, the ship they were loading was departing first thing in the morning. She squeezed between the cold containers. If she managed to stay here undetected until the morning, she could slip inside the ship and escape. She could only hope that wherever the ship’s destination was, she would find help there. Behind her, the doors swished open again. The heavy tread echoing in the silent cargo bay sounded familiar. Jed. Gritting her teeth, she slid farther back into the shadows of the containers. A moment later, Jed’s voice rang out loud and clear. “Is there anybody else working in this cargo bay?” “Just the two of us, sir,” a man answered respectfully. “Clear out,” Jed instructed. “I’m searching for a fugitive.” Kate’s stomach sank in dismay as she heard the men agree and leave quickly. No! Sweat broke out on her forehead. God, he sounded so close.

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“I know you’re in here, Kate.” She could hear the anger in his voice. “You might as well come out now.” He paused. “My infrared sensors can seek out body heat. There is no place on this cargo bay you can hide that I can’t find you.” Footsteps echoed on the metal floors. She cocked her head, listening intently, trying to ascertain where he was. “I trusted you, Kate,” he continued. “But you proved to me that I can’t even leave you alone for a few moments without trying to escape. I suppose I need to chain you by my side all the time, hmm?” As quietly as she could, Kate crawled deeper between large metal crates, slinking farther into the darkened part of the cargo bay. A pipe, the length of a baseball bat, lay on the floor. She picked it up. There was no way she was giving up without a fight. “This is a tiresome game you play, Kate,” Jed derided. “We could stay here all night and pretend that I don’t know where you are or you could give in gracefully and just show yourself.” Never. Kate tried to calm herself. Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears and she could feel sweat trickling down her back. From her hiding place, she peered at Jed. One by one, he methodically moved heavy crates out of the way like they weighed nothing. He was heading straight for her. The desperation she’d been trying to suppress surfaced. She looked right. She looked left. There was nowhere else she could go. Jed stood between her and the door, her only avenue of escape. Swallowing, she gripped the metal pipe tightly in her hand and stood up. His glance flicked at her weapon. “Put that down, Kate.” “I want you to let me go.” He advanced towards her. “No.” Kate stepped to the side. Her only hope was to somehow distract him and run for the exit. “I don’t want to be here.” Jed inclined his head. “I may not be well-versed in the ways of Earth women, but I do know that you were well-pleasured earlier.” “You’re despicable,” she hissed, careful to maintain the distance between them. His gaze hardened. “And you’re making me angrier by this foolish display of misguided bravery. You can’t get away from me, Kate. Put that down.” “I’d rather die first.” “If you prefer,” he countered softly and made his way towards her. Her eyes grew wide with fear. He was going to kill her. Lifting the pipe over her head, she threw it at him with all her might then ran for the door. Behind her, she heard him curse soundly. Please, please. Just let me get to the door. She was so close so she could

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almost reach out to touch the metal doors when a pair of hard-muscled arms wrapped around her waist and lifted her clear off the floor. Her breath rushed out in a loud whoosh. Kate struggled angrily, kicking and flailing. In the next instant, he’d flipped her around and pushed her up against the wall. Her fists made no impact as she pummeled his rock-hard chest. “Stop it,” Jed ordered, capturing her small hands in one of his and pulling them above her head. Her breath came in harsh pants. “I hate you.” His jaw tightened. “Then we’re even.” With one motion, he tore off the tunic she’d put on, leaving her in the crocheted bikini she’d worn earlier. With the same one-handed action, he efficiently rid her of her top. Her breasts sprang free. Kate choked. Holding her gaze, he tossed her top somewhere behind him. His hand glided down her side. “Don’t,” she whispered. Uncaring of her plea, he wrapped his hand around the delicate fabric of her bikini bottoms and tugged. Kate heard the ripping sound before feeling the cool air on her now bare lower body. She trembled. Jed insinuated his thigh between hers, parting her legs wider, forcing her to ride him. “Show me how much you hate me, Kate.” His free hand cupped a breast, brushing against her nipple. Her breath caught in the back of her throat as the sensitive tip came to life and hardened immediately. “You hate me, but you find pleasure in my touch,” he taunted her softly, his eyes glittering brightly. Her eyes slid away from his. “Look at me,” he ordered gruffly, waiting until she complied. “You profess to hate me, but when I touched you earlier, you were pushing at my hand like you couldn’t get enough.” “Only you would throw that in my face. That was a one time thing, do you hear me?” she spat at him disdainfully, pushed beyond her limits. “It won’t happen again.” The air between them thickened, her words hanging in the air. Something was pushing Kate, a recklessness borne out of desperation, of defeat. She wasn’t going down easy. “Is that a challenge?” She kept her mouth stubbornly shut, refusing to answer him. “Have it your way,” he murmured. He lowered his face to hers until he was just an inch away. His gaze dropped to her lips. Kate felt her lips tingle, waiting for his touch. At the last minute, just before their lips touched, she turned away. It was a desperate move on her part. She didn’t want to kiss him. She already hated herself for responding to him, but a kiss was even more

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transparent, a bigger indicator of her feelings. She shouldn’t enjoy his touch, she should be repulsed. Jed detoured to her neck when she refused him her lips. He licked his way down the slope of her shoulders, pausing to suckle softly on her skin. A thousand needles of pleasure attacked her, further weakening her frayed defenses. She froze, no longer struggling. Her resolve sank further when he slid lower, getting closer and closer to the mounds of her breasts. Oh God, help me resist him. But it seemed her plea was to go unanswered. His tongue was hot and determined as he headed straight for her aching nipple. “No!” she blurted out, straining against his hold. Her struggles only helped him with his goal. Her wiggling put her breast in his path and allowed him to easily pull the pouting tip into the warm cavern of his mouth. Kate gasped. Against her wishes, a wave of pleasure swelled inside her at the hard suction he applied. His touch wasn’t gentle. There was no hesitation on his part. Jed pulled in as much of her flesh as he could and suckled. She jerked against him, desperately fighting the inevitable. At her struggles, he held her delicate nipple between his teeth and bit down, hard enough to give her a warning. She cried out. In the next moment, her cry turned to a whimper as he chased away the lingering pain by soothing her with delicate licks. Her pussy moistened. Soon he was going to feel her through the material of his trousers. There was no way she could hide her arousal. Her lashes fluttered as she raised her eyes to him. He’d straightened and was looking at her with an enigmatic look in her eyes. “Kiss me, Kate,” he ordered softly. She trembled, her gaze falling to his lips. “No.” “Why do you resist?” he asked. When his thumb brushed against her lower lip, she shuddered violently. “I can feel your desire.” He laid his hand flat over her heart. “Your heartbeat alone gives you away. Why do you fight it?” Kate didn’t answer, couldn’t answer. “This is a game you play,” he mused out loud, his eyes still locked on her lips. “You appear to resist, but you want me.” Yes, I do want you. The realization hit her hard, draining her of strength. Every inch of her body sang at his touch. Her skin tingled like it was being touched by a thousand volts of electricity. And all this despite her avowals that she hated him. But she didn’t. Truth to tell, her body wanted his touch, craved it. Refusing to kiss him was her last-ditch attempt to keep this desire from devouring what little remaining self-respect she had. “You puzzle me, Kate,” he stated softly. “I cannot understand why you resist.”

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Kate wasn’t stupid. She knew Jed wanted her. Even if she somehow couldn’t feel the thick stalk of flesh that pressed against her abdomen, she would have known he was aroused by the hot flare of his nostrils and the tight set of his lips. The two of them were caught in the trap of their attraction, each beset by their own demons. All thought flew from her mind when she felt him delving between her parted thighs. Her clit throbbed in anticipation of his touch. She squirmed against him, the heat from his body blasting hers. “You’re wet,” he announced in a husky voice. He slipped two fingers in her pussy and groaned. “By the Gods, you’re so tight.” Kate was delirious. The pleasure she’d felt earlier was nothing compared to what he was giving her now. She moaned as he probed deeper, pushing through pliant tissues. She began to pant and push down against his fingers, needing more, wanting more. Then he used his thumb to caress her clit. She cried out. “Admit that you want me,” he demanded softly, never ceasing his torturous strokes. He pressed deeper. Jerking in his arms, she shook her head. “For somebody who claims to hate me, you respond well to my slightest touch.” To prove it, he leaned down and tongued her nipple. She went up in flames. He laughed, a dark, sexy sound that mocked her reaction. “Say it again. Say you hate me.” Through the haze of arousal clouding her brain, she mustered up enough strength to say, “I hate what you make me feel.” The muscle in his jaw ticked. “That is exactly what I want you to feel. Hell, isn’t it? Hating what you’re feeling, yet wanting it?” He began a mind-destroying in-and-out motion with his plunging fingers. Kate drew in a ragged breath, surrounded by his scent, overwhelmed by her explosive response to him. A shudder passed through her when he pulled her breast into his mouth and suckled in time to the movement of his fingers in her pussy. Stars exploded behind her eyes. She was burning up. Then he withdrew. Her eyes flew open, the instinctive need to protest on the tip of her tongue. He had no intention of stopping, though, for he was busy unbuttoning the front of his trousers. Moments later, he pushed his trousers down and his cock sprang free. Kate gulped, her eyes glued to the thick column of erect flesh that stood straight and proud from a nest of dark curls. He was big, topped with a broad, plum-shaped head. She bit her lip to stifle a moan. Words weren’t necessary when he hoisted her higher and pushed her against the wall. The head of his cock probed through her pussy lips, rubbing teasingly for a second before finding her opening and sliding to the hilt in one stroke.

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She caught her breath, feeling utterly full, utterly possessed. Shock pulsed through her at the feeling of having him inside her. Of their own volition, her legs came up and wrapped around his waist. Jed burrowed deeper, demanding more. She strained against the hand holding her, pushing against him. “Let me go,” she demanded breathlessly. “No.” He began to thrust in and out, long, driving strokes that made her crazy. A moan of ecstasy escaped from her lips. Her breathing was raspy, uneven. Heat rippled all around them, trapping them in a world of their own, unaware of their surroundings. Impaled on his cock, penetrated to her deepest core, Kate was suddenly thankful that he held her up, or no doubt she would have slid boneless to the floor by now. “Do you like this, Kate?” he asked silkily, his hips thrusting powerfully between her legs. “Oh God,” she whimpered. “You want this. You want me.” He punctuated his words with deep thrusts, driving the breath from her lungs. “You can’t hide it. Your pussy’s wet and wild just for me.” He stopped. “No!” She didn’t know if she was protesting his words or the way he stopped abruptly. Jed moved again, slower this time, almost pulling out all the way before pushing back in to the hilt. “Don’t—” he thrust deep, so deep she whimpered once more, “try—” another thrust, “to escape—” and another, “again. Are we clear?” he gritted out. Kate shuddered deeply, moaning incoherently. “Are we clear, Kate?” he bit out, squeezing her ass tightly with one hand. “Y-yes.” Once he got her acquiescence, he began to fuck her in earnest. Letting her wrists go, he flattened his palm on the wall beside her head. Kate’s eyes rolled to the back of her head as wave after wave of ecstasy tumbled through her body. Her arms crept around his neck, holding on tight. It didn’t take long for her to come, and when she did, she cried out, shocked at the incredible pleasure that slammed into her. She trembled violently, her body racked with great shudders. Dimly, she heard Jed utter a low grunt before he thrust deeply and came. It was a while before her body relaxed and slumped against him, and even longer for her heart rate to return to normal. Had he not propped her against the wall, she would have slid to the floor in a boneless heap. She was aware of Jed straightening his clothes, before cupping her buttocks and lifting her up once more. He elbowed the button that activated the door. Uncaring of her nudity, he strode through the various hallways and headed back to their room.

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Chapter Six Jed put her on her feet as they entered the room. “I was mistaken in leaving you alone,” he declared gruffly. “I won’t do it again.” “Don’t you understand?” she blurted out. “I had to try to get away.” She wrung her hands together, hot color flooding her cheeks. “It’s my right to seek revenge.” “I’ve tried to explain to you, I had to do what I did.” Jed crossed his arms over his chest and just looked at her with an inscrutable expression. Kate swallowed. “I didn’t know what else to do. When my mother died, my sister and I wanted to fulfill her last wish. She wanted to be buried in her family mantle. So we snuck into Pagan territory, with the intention of retrieving the mantle and getting out. But it didn’t happen that way. We were discovered,” she finished faintly. He raised an eyebrow. “This is all very interesting, but what has it to do with me?” Taking a deep breath, she looked at him entreatingly. “The Lord Commander wanted to give me to Prince Zandor of Osira in exchange for weapons and military support,” she revealed. “If I was still a virgin.” “And you chose to use me instead?” She wrung her hands together. “I had no choice. I needed somebody who wouldn’t be able to stop me. And since you were tied up…” Her eyes slid away from his. “You forced me to mate with you.” “You were aroused,” she tossed at him defensively, fed up with him blaming everything on her. “So I was,” he agreed, advancing towards her. Kate took a step back. “S-so you see,” she stammered, her heart beginning to pound. “I couldn’t have done it if you weren’t willing.” “Ah, but I didn’t want to mate with a Pagan woman,” he countered with obvious distaste. She flushed. “I’m only half. And I already told you, I apologize for what I did. You’ve had your revenge. You’ve kidnapped me, you’ve humiliated me and now you’ve…you’ve had your way with me.” She made herself look directly at him, unable to move now that the bed was directly behind her. “We’re even now. It’s not right for you to keep me any longer.”

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She was right. He’d had his way with her. Shouldn’t he take her back to Earth and let her go? He didn’t want to. Even now, the feeling of being clasped in the tightness of her pussy reverberated through his system. It had been all too brief and over far too quickly, but the pleasure he’d felt still echoed through his system. He’d never felt like that before. He wanted to feel it again. And again. Jed looked at her, at the large mounds of her delectable breasts topped with stiff rosy crests, the curve of her waist gently dipping to rounded hips. His gaze fastened on the cluster of red curls between her thighs and his mouth watered. He wanted to taste her. He wasn’t done with her. Not yet. Ignoring the pleading look in her dark green eyes, he schooled his features into an impassive one. “No.” Then he amended, “Not yet.” “When?” she demanded. “Whenever I decide.” He watched the thunderclouds form in her expressive face. By the Gods, she was stunning when she was angry. “T-that’s not fair,” she sputtered indignantly. He shrugged, enjoying the sight of her naked body. “I decide when to take you back, not you. I grow tired of this conversation,” he added, infusing his voice with irritation. “I desire a bath. Follow me.” He strode to the adjoining bath, his body already stirring at the thought of her touching him. Dakarans made an art out of bathing. The bathing rooms in the palace were a display of hedonistic pleasures, from the mist oozing from cleverly concealed vents in the ceiling, to the glass enclosure with multiple waterspouts, strategically located to target specific body parts. His favorite was the natural rock bath, fed from underground hot springs. It was big enough to fit four people. He suppressed a smile. The Dakarans were sensualists at heart, and it showed in everything they did. Belatedly, he noticed Kate hovering at the doorway. “Come here.” “I won’t try to escape again. I promise.” “I know you won’t. Aside from the fact that you won’t get very far, I promise you, the next time you try it, you will regret it,” he replied confidently. “I require assistance. Bathe me.” Her temper snapped. “Surely you can bathe yourself.” He stepped into the sunken hot spring and sat on one of the built-in ledges. “I grow impatient with your disobedience, Kate. I assure you, the sooner you learn to obey my orders, the sooner I will be satisfied that I’ve earned my retribution.” “I would like to put on some clothes.” “You will put on clothes when I tell you to,” he growled. “Come here, now.”

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Jed watched as Kate’s mouth tightened mutinously before she made her way to him. He lowered his eyelids, devouring her with his gaze. His hands itched to touch her. Motioning for her to come closer, his muscles tightened in anticipation as she stepped in the warm water. He gestured to the cloth next to her on the ledge. “Wash me.” Leaning back, he closed his eyes and prepared to enjoy himself. Her touch, when it came, was soft and hesitant, barely skimming over his skin. She seemed to concentrate on his chest and shoulders, never going beyond. Jed opened one eye. “You have to wash the rest of my body as well.” He thought he heard her choke and hid a smile. He couldn’t wait. Already his cock was hardening, and she hadn’t even gotten anywhere near it yet. Through lowered eyelids, he watched her full mouth thin into a flat line as she began to wash him briskly. He contained the urge to laugh. She was a feisty one. He noticed she studiously avoided his cock, washing his arms and hands, his shoulders and neck—but never down there. Her breasts jiggled with her every movement and he openly stared, making no effort to hide the fact. Drops of water rolled down her arms, and her chest became wet as she washed him. The mounds glistened invitingly under the soft light. Giving in to temptation, he cupped one in his hand, hearing the unmistakable sound of her sharply indrawn breath before she froze. “Go on,” he instructed. He brushed his thumb over the straining tip, loving the stiffness of her nipple. Her pale skin appeared ethereal, and the small red dots were most uncommon. “What are these interesting marks?” “They’re called freckles. Earth people with hair like mine usually have it.” “Unusual.” And beautiful, he thought silently. Jed caressed her with his eyes, gravitating towards the flesh he cupped in his palm. Her breast was a perfect fit for his large hand. He gently kneaded and heard her gasp. “Is something wrong?” he asked, lazily circling her nipple with a finger. Kate didn’t answer, just shook her head. If it was possible, she rubbed him even more briskly before she stopped and declared, “I’m done.” “Wash my hair,” he ordered absently, focusing his attention on the stiff crest he was playing with. It was delightfully large, like a berry ripe for the picking. He rotated his palm over it again and again, enjoying the feel of it digging against his skin. To wash his hair, she had to come closer and put her arms around him. She was but inches away. If he leaned forward, just a little bit—like so—he could pop her into his mouth. She jerked against him and he felt the rush of her breath, her hands faltering before she continued on to lather his hair. Satisfaction rushed through his bloodstream as he sucked on her breast. He enclosed her in his arms, sliding his hands down her silky back to cup the enticing plump cheeks of her ass, running his palms over them, round and round. He did something he’d wanted to do since he’d stolen her. He squeezed…firmly. Seconds later, 62

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she doused him with warm water. He blinked and wiped his face, turning to pin her with his gaze. “I had to rinse your hair,” she explained breathlessly. Witch. If she thought that her job was done, she was wrong. He took her hand in his and placed it on his cock. “You forgot to wash this.” Kate stiffened. With his hand over hers, he started a slow, up-and-down motion. His cock was so hard it was near to bursting, and the feel of her soft palm on it was quickly pushing him to the limit. “I’m waiting.” When she picked up the washcloth once more, he shook his head. “Without that.” She bit her lip and averted her eyes. He wrapped his hand around his cock, trapping hers underneath. “Touch me, Kate,” he invited hoarsely. All pretense was gone now. He wanted to feel her touch the rigid length straining against her hand. He wanted to feel her lips around his cock. He wanted to see them stretch as she took him deep, laving him with her small tongue. His need made him pant, pulse thudding loudly, and only his firm control concealed the trembling of his limbs. He wanted her with an intensity that he’d never before felt. With his eyes, he willed her to do the one thing he desperately wanted at that moment. “Take me, Kate. Take me deep in your mouth.” Kate was shivering with the need to touch him. What was wrong with her? Why did she suddenly feel this all-consuming need to obey his order and take him in her mouth? Tortured, she met his gaze. She was wet and shaking, desperately fighting the need slowly overpowering her. Her hand visibly shook against the velvet-soft skin of his erect cock. Her teeth sank into her lower lip, and she felt helpless against the rising tide of lust that was growing inside her. “Touch me,” he repeated in a husky tone. All sane thought flew out the window when he began to slide their linked hands up and down, circling the engorged head of his cock before gliding back down. God, he was beautiful. So huge and thick. Her eyes were glued to the broad stalk of flesh, a mixture of satin and steel. A small drop of moisture appeared at the slit, balanced precariously on the broad head. I want him in my mouth. I want to kiss him. I want to suck him deep and tight. She was going to give in, she knew it. Surrender was the only option. She had to have him. Jed gritted his teeth as he tightened his hand over hers. Kate had difficulty encircling him, but she managed. Encouraged by the fact that she hadn’t moved away or slipped her hand from under his, he instructed her how to touch him, teaching her to

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squeeze softly at the bottom before sliding up his shaft. He watched her eyes darken, enjoying the play of emotions on her face. A drop of moisture seeped through the slit of his cock. He swiped it with a finger and brought it to her lips. “Open.” He slipped the digit inside her warm mouth. His cock twitched in her hand when he felt her tongue hesitantly lick the liquid from his finger. Jed tunneled his hand through her hair, holding his cock in the other. “Kiss it.” His pulse hammered in his ears, drowning out the rest of the world as she licked her lips. He didn’t even recognize the hoarse voice as his. Need, hot and liquid, pulsed through his entire system. Never before could he remember needing something as much as he needed her mouth on his cock. Females had always been easy to come by, a vessel to assuage a physical need. He’d never before ached as he was aching now, almost desperate for the feel of those lips encircling his cock. She leaned down, excruciatingly slow, and licked the weeping slit. Jed sucked in his breath, feeling her touch reverberate through his hungry body. When she fitted her lips over the ridged head of his cock, he almost shot out of the water. “Yes, just like that,” he muttered. Gently he urged her to take him deeper, watching as she worked his thick shaft in her small mouth. He couldn’t look away, couldn’t even blink at the erotic sight. He wanted to fuck her mouth as he would her pussy. But he didn’t. He forced himself to endure her slow pace, gritting his teeth as her dainty tongue licked up and down his shaft. She shifted her body in the water so she could bend low and torture him by kissing his testicles. He took a deep breath when she pulled one in her mouth and sucked briefly. By the Gods, she was good at this. When she came back up, her wet hair was plastered to her back, the color a deep red. He groaned appreciatively as she finally took him deep inside her mouth, holding still for a second, relishing the warm clasp of tongue and soft cheeks. She moved, taking him deep again and again, driving him out of his mind. Her tongue, agile and light, managed to lick all over the head, focusing on the moisture dripping out of the tip. “I want to come in your mouth.” With his hand at the back of her head, he guided her movement, silently telling her to continue. He wanted to feel the soft clasp of her mouth as he released inside. He wanted to see his seed between those pink lips as she swallowed. The pleasure swelled as he watched her work his cock in and out, deeper and deeper. He couldn’t look away from the sight of her lips stretched over his stiff flesh, a sight that would always be imprinted in his memory bank. He twitched and jerked in her mouth and he knew his orgasm was imminent. His ears buzzed. Dimly he heard a guttural groan and realized it was him, groaning again and again as he blasted into her mouth. The pleasure shot up from the base of his spine and traveled like liquid lightning to the rest of his body, electrifying every single nerve ending he possessed. He came for a long time, filling her mouth, watching appreciatively as she worked her throat. By the Gods, he liked watching her swallow his seed.

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When it was over, he gently tipped her face up to him. He’d never seen a more erotic sight than Kate, her lips moist and glistening and her eyes dark and huge in her face. She looked as stunned as he felt.

***** Kate swallowed, unable to believe that she’d willingly given Jed oral sex and enjoyed it. Enjoyed it so much, in fact that she hadn’t stopped until he came in her mouth! She, who’d been called a prude by the few men she’d dated because she refused to take their cocks in her mouth. What had possessed her? All she knew was that by the time she’d taken him in her mouth, she’d wanted it just as much as he obviously did. She licked her lips and looked at him uncertainly. Jed rubbed her lip with a thumb, an enigmatic look on his face. She flushed and moved to get out of the water. He stopped her, and in one easy movement, sat her on the edge of the rock tub. Her eyes flew wide with surprise as he shouldered her legs wide apart and buried his face in between. “Oh!” That was all she could verbalize. Whatever else she wanted to say was lost somewhere as she gasped out loud. His tongue homed in on the opening between her pussy lips and wedged itself high up inside her. The arms she’d stretched out to support her collapsed and she lay down, her hips arching up towards his mouth. He spread her legs wider, opening her totally to him. Like a puppet on a string, Kate could only follow his silent urgings and bent her legs, putting her feet on the ledge. Her eyes drifted shut when he slipped two fingers deep inside, moving around and around, in and out, shallow then deep. Her swollen clit ached. The breath rushed out of her when he licked it with the flat of his tongue, soothing yet electrifying at the same time. She whimpered when he withdrew, eliciting a deep chuckle from him. Pulling her pussy lips wide open with his fingers, he began a mind-destroying lick and lap torture of the sensitive nubbin, reducing her to a gasping, moaning and pleading creature. When he fastened his lips to her clit and sucked, she cried out. “Oh God,” she moaned brokenly. “Right there. Ohhh!” Jed was relentless, pushing her to orgasm with stunning swiftness. He wasn’t satisfied until she came a second time, weak and panting for breath. She lay on the floor in a boneless heap, trembling violently. When he finally pulled her up, she lowered her head, avoiding his gaze, feeling self-conscious. She gladly took the thick towel he handed her and hurriedly wrapped it around herself. He strode into the bedroom and she took a moment to collect herself. The experience had been intense and she felt off-balance. She was sure he was not completely unaffected. Was this how it was for him with other women, too? Was sexual chemistry this strong a common thing between Karn’alian men and women?

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He was waiting for her when she made it out of the bathing area. “Stand still,” he instructed and knelt at her feet. Kate felt him wrap something around her ankle and snap it closed with a small metallic ping. It was an anklet of some sort. She looked at him curiously. His face was devoid of expression when he answered her unspoken question. “It’s a tracking device. If you escape and I activate it, it will release a nontoxic agent that will immobilize you immediately.” Every one of her muscles stiffened in anger. “You don’t need to do this,” she hissed. “On the contrary,” he countered softly, “I’m not taking any chances of you trying to escape again.” Cold fury flooded her. Kate clenched her fists. Just when she thought things might change for the better between them, he did something despicable. She was so furious she could hardly speak. She spied a pallet tucked in the corner. Kate lifted her chin. “I assume that’s where I’m sleeping?” When he didn’t say anything, she marched over to her suitcase and pulled out the first thing she got her fingers on and whipped it over her head. Let him say something about this, she thought mutinously as the long cotton shirt settled on her thighs. She marched over to the pallet and laid down, turning her back on him and facing the wall. She did not want to see the bastard’s face. All she wanted right now to fall asleep. Just get this whole damned day over with. Hours later, her blood still boiled as she shifted once more, unable to sleep. It was damn uncomfortable sleeping on the hard floor. The pallet was too thin to offer any cushioning and her back hurt, but she was determined to suffer in silence. She’d bite her tongue off first before she complained to him. She shifted once more and turned to the wall. The full moons outside shone inside the open balcony doors, casting shadows in the room. She tried counting sheep to fall asleep. That didn’t work. She tried to think of her tiny apartment, recalling the cramped space she called home. Her plants probably wouldn’t survive more than a couple of weeks. And her cat. Poor Lady Luck. She’d left her with a neighbor. When she didn’t come back, would Mrs. Smith still want to take care of her? Erin was allergic to cats, so she’d be no help there. Sadness overwhelmed her. Nobody would really miss her, aside from Erin, of course. She’d be sick with worry. Kate wished there was some way she could get in touch. Her sister would never believe her story. How could she explain? Oh, by the way, remember the prisoner I fucked six years ago? Well, he just happened to kidnap me and is intent on revenge. Oh, and you know what else? I don’t know when he’ll bring me back. If ever. Oh, just to hear her sister’s voice again. Erin wouldn’t be sitting here feeling sorry for herself. Erin, the feisty one, would be demanding better sleeping accommodations. A reluctant grin came to her lips. No doubt, Erin would badger Jed until he gave her a feather mattress worthy of a queen. But then, that had always been the difference

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between them. Erin had grown up confident of her looks and charm. People naturally gravitated to her. As for Kate, well she was the frumpy, chunky younger sister. Kate shifted once more, trying in vain to find a position that wouldn’t kill her back. She threw a furtive glance at the bed. Jed appeared to be sleeping soundly. Asshole. He had one arm thrown over his head, his lips parted in deep sleep. She eyed the bed enviously. It was big enough for four people. It looked soft and utterly comfortable. With an irritated sigh, she switched positions once more, finally settling on her back, staring at the ceiling, desperately wishing for sleep to claim her.

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Chapter Seven It was a good thing Kate didn’t have to face Jed the next morning. She felt tired, her back ached and her eyes were gritty from lack of sleep. The last thing she wanted was to see his undoubtedly smug face. She didn’t know what had possessed her to give him oral sex, and she didn’t want to dwell on it. It was appalling how little control she had over her body when he was around. She stretched before washing up. Afterwards, she pulled her suitcase open and found a loose sundress and pulled it on. Plopping down on the bed, she tugged ineffectually at the tracking device he’d strapped to her ankle. The damn thing didn’t even budge. Hateful man. Where was he anyway? Was she supposed to twiddle her thumbs in the room awaiting his return? She stood up and walked impatiently to the window. It was a beautiful day. The sunshine contrasted wonderfully against the backdrop of the lilac grass and the blue sky. The effect was stunning. The door swished open silently and admitted Lela. “I bid you a happy morning, sumaya.” Kate smiled. “Good morning to you, too, Lela.” The young woman gave her a bright smile. “Master Jed has instructed me to take you around the town this morning.” Kate crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow. “Oh he did, did he? And where is he, might I ask?” Lela’s impossibly large eyes grew rounder at Kate’s sarcastic tone. “Master Jed is currently with His Highness, the Prince. He gave me instructions to keep you company today.” “I guess he’s not afraid that I’ll try to escape,” she mused out loud. The young woman flushed. “He told me to remind you about the tracking device and that wherever you go, he will find be able to find you.” Her eyes narrowed. “What did he do, make you memorize those exact words?” Lela had the grace to look embarrassed and Kate didn’t expect her to answer. Why did she feel a little disappointed? She should be thankful he’d left her alone for the day. Her irritation slowly drained away. Fixing Lela with an enthusiastic smile, she walked towards the door. “Well, now that you mention it, I’d like to go explore the town. That should be fun.” Lela smiled happily at her acquiescence. “Oh, you will like the town, sumaya. With the Feast of the Full Moons, merchants from all over the kingdom and other planets come and display their wares.”

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Kate followed the young woman down the maze of long, elegant hallways. Lela wore the attire reserved for women in the household who were not servants, a simple sarong-style miniskirt that wrapped around her hips and the nipple chain. Compared to her, Kate felt like an ungraceful duckling in her flowing sundress. When they emerged out into the sunshine, Kate inhaled deeply. The air was fresh and sweet, untainted by the usual pollutants found in Earth’s atmosphere. As they walked down the curving staircase to a hovercraft waiting at the foot of the stairs, she felt excited at being able to explore. It would be nice to see how other people lived, or in this case, how beings from another planet lived. A man standing by the transport assisted them on board and waited until they were both seated before he took the wheel. The engine purred smoothly under their feet as they made their way from the palace grounds into town. The farther they got from the palace, the more excited Kate became. It was nice to get away from Jed, even for a little while. Fairly quickly, the town came into view. It was surprisingly large, sprawling and busy. From her perch in the hovercraft, she noted that it was an interesting mix of modern and traditional structures. While there were a lot of low, one-level dwellings, there were also numerous skyscrapers dotting the horizon. She gathered that hovercrafts were the vehicle of choice, and as they neared the town she saw more and more flying around. Excitement unfolded in her stomach as they landed smoothly. She couldn’t wait to explore. “Oh Lela, it is beautiful here,” she exclaimed. Lela nodded. “My homeland is a prosperous one, sumaya. The quadrants, ruled by two brothers, are thriving and peaceful. Come, let us walk around.” Kate followed her eagerly, taking in the sights and sounds. Apparently the Festival of Full Moons was a big occasion here. Merchants selling different trinkets abounded the central marketplace of the town, their colorful booths lining either side of the street. Wandering over to a booth containing crystals of many different colors, Kate stroked one crystal which turned an unusual ruby color. “It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “Ah, good choice, my lady.” The merchant came forward, dressed in flowing robes and sporting long, multicolored hair and rings on all of his fingers. “This crystal closely mirrors your emotions when you touch it. Red denotes love.” Kate pulled her hand away abruptly. Love? Hardly. She offered the merchant a polite smile. “I’m afraid it’s mistaken.” He captured her hand and gently tugged her back when she turned away. “A moment of your time, my lady.” She frowned and tried to pull her hand away, but he held firm. He turned it over and stroked her palm softly. His eyes drifted closed. “I feel confusion. You are torn between emotions, my lady. But I definitely feel love. It is there.” Pulling her hand away, Kate turned to find a giggling Lela. “What’s so funny?” she asked as she started walking away from the merchant who stared after her. 69

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“Raj is from Tertarra, sumaya. They are known for their psychic powers. And the crystals, it is said that they are true indicators of emotions. Maybe you are in love, yes?” Lela asked with a knowing glint in her eye. “No, I am not.” Her tone was firm, and so were her emotions. The last thing she felt was love. Kate ducked inside another booth—not wanting to continue the conversation—and found herself amidst the most beautiful garments she’d ever seen. Made of different shimmering colors, they were softer than silk and just as delicate to touch. “These are made in South Dakara, sumaya. This cloth is the best in the federation,” Lela declared proudly. “Women from different galaxies come to Dakara just to purchase it. It is beautiful and costly. I am sure Master Jed would be happy to purchase one for you.” “No, I’m sure he wouldn’t,” she replied flatly. She didn’t bother to explain. Lela wouldn’t understand. Kate looked around as they strolled, noting that some women were topless except for a plain gold or silver chain clipped from one nipple to the other. She pulled Lela aside. “Why do you wear chains on your breasts and nothing else?” “That is the mark of a mated woman, sumaya,” Lela informed her, giving her an odd look. “There is no shame in displaying our bodies and wearing our mate’s mark. Indeed, it is something to be proud of.” Kate glanced curiously at Lela’s nipple chain, which was made of glittering gold and interspersed with rubies and emeralds. “How come your nipple chain is different from theirs?” Lela beamed proudly. “This is the mark of the prince. While I’m at the royal household, I belong to Prince Rohm. Until he releases me, I cannot be claimed by another.” “What do you mean you belong to Rohm?” Kate asked slowly. “As in, you’re part of his harem?” A frown marred the smooth skin on Lela’s brow. “Harem?” “Yes.” Kate tried to figure out how to explain it to her. “In the past, on Earth, kings or powerful rulers used to have dozens of women who catered to their every…sexual need.” Lela nodded in understanding. “Then yes, I am part of his harem.” “But that’s barbaric!” Kate exclaimed. “It is an honor to be part of the prince’s household, sumaya. It is not bestowed on just anybody. The Prince personally chooses every woman who serves him.” “I’ll bet,” she said with a snort. “Have you slept with Rohm?” “Most certainly,” Lela replied without blinking. “Plenty of times.” “And it doesn’t bother you that he keeps other women in the palace, too?” she asked curiously.

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“It is a great honor to serve the needs of the Prince, sumaya.” Then Lela grinned. “He is fulfilling my needs, too, is he not?” Kate frowned. “Have you slept with anybody else?” Lela shrugged. “Sometimes with his brother Prince Aric and Prince Rohm, together. But we do not have the chance to do it often. Only when Prince Aric is visiting.” She gaped. “Both of them? At the same time?” The young woman returned Kate’s wide-eyed gaze. “Sexuality is something we celebrate on Dakara, sumaya. There is no shame in doing things that give us pleasure. A woman is free to be with any man she wants until a man claims her as his mate.” “Well, yeah. But two men at the same time?” she asked doubtfully. “You have never tried it?” When Kate shook her head, Lela gave a blissful smile. “I enjoy it very much.” “But don’t you feel bad when Rohm has sex with other women?” “He is the prince,” Lela answered simply. “We are all here to serve his needs, to bring him pleasure.” Dakara was indeed very different from Earth. Here, there was no shame in pursuing pleasure. With one man or two, or tied up and flogged, they were amazingly frank and open with sexuality. Lela laid a hand on Kate’s arm. “Prince Rohm is a very good man, sumaya. He is a fair and just ruler and he is a generous lover.” “But one woman isn’t enough, huh?” She sighed. “I’m sorry, Lela. It’s not my place to criticize. I just think it’s awful how he has so many women at his beck and call. Why can’t he be satisfied with one?” Lela looked at her, uncomprehending. “Why would he do that?” “Never mind,” she grumbled. “Whatever floats the prince’s boat, I guess.” She wondered if Lela had ever been bound and spanked with a flogger. Oh God, I don’t even want to know. When she looked up, Kate realized they’d walked away from the marketplace and into what looked like a residential area. Lela knocked on a door, waiting until a tall, buxom woman opened the door. “Lela. I’ve been expecting you.” Lela smiled. “Good tidings to you, Ariel. We are a bit late. I took Kate to the market.” Ariel smiled at Kate. “Ah, you must be the lady Jed talked about.” Kate frowned with suspicion. “What did he say?” “He gave me clear instructions for you, sumaya.” She inclined her head and walked down the hallway. “Follow me, please.” “Wait a minute. What instructions?”

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Ariel stopped inside a large room, complete with a large reclining chair covered by a white cloth. “He failed to mention the purpose of coming to see me today?” She looked at Lela, who just shrugged. “Master Jed instructed me to give you a hair removal treatment.” Kate took a step back. “A what?” “It’s not painful, sumaya,” Ariel assured her. “Some have said it’s quite pleasurable.” “I’m not having any of my hair removed.” Ariel’s brow wrinkled. “You won’t? Sumaya, the women of Dakara routinely get all their body hair removed. It’s just the way it is here.” “Well, I’m not from here.” Kate’s lips thinned. “Lela, I would like to go back now.” The young woman looked dismayed. “But, sumaya, Master Jed will not be pleased that his instructions weren’t followed.” “I will take the blame for this one,” she reassured Lela with more confidence than she felt. “And why do you keep calling him Master?” she asked irritably. When the two other women didn’t answer and just stood there staring transfixed over her right shoulder, Kate’s eyes narrowed. “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?” “Thank you, Lela.” Jed’s deep masculine voice sailed over her head. “Ariel, I would like a few moments with Kate. I’ll call you when she’s ready.” Nodding, the two quickly left them alone. Kate bit back a sigh and slowly turned around. “I really don’t care what you—” Jed held up a hand. “Did you forget our agreement last night?” he asked, his voice rife with annoyance. “How quickly you forget that you promised instant and total obedience.” Her temper, already stretched thin by the confusing emotions bombarding her, snapped. “I haven’t forgotten what I agreed to. But this is ridiculous. This is above and beyond what I did to you,” she spat at him. “I’m not a toy you can play with, and I’m not a slave you can order around. I hate this, do you hear me? And I hate you!” “Did you hate me when you had my cock in your mouth last night?” Kate gave him a disparaging look. “I guess a statement like that is to be expected from somebody like you,” she sneered. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her mockingly. “You didn’t seem to think so little of me last night, Kate. If I’m not mistaken, those were breathless little sounds of enjoyment you made after I made you come…more than once.” Kate glared at him mutinously, refusing to rise to the bait. She lifted her chin. His face hardened. “You will let Ariel attend to you, as I instructed. There is a special gathering tonight we have to attend.” “Another one of the perverted orgies these people seem to enjoy so much?” she asked disdainfully. “What is it this time? Some woman who’ll have to be spanked because she asked for it?” 72

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A frankly sensuous light entered his eyes. “Would you like to be spanked, Kate?” Her pulse skittered like crazy. “Perhaps that is what you are asking for,” Jed continued silkily, shifting closer to her. “Would you like me to spank you for this show of disobedience? After all, I noticed how you enjoyed the show last night.” “You’re wrong,” she denied, trying desperately to still the mad jump of her heartbeat. “I would be happy to indulge you,” he offered, his voice sliding like silk on her skin. “I grow tired of your disobedience. You push me too far, Kate. I think it’s time to teach you a lesson.” Oh shit. Kate froze. “No, thank you.” His eyes gleamed hotly, advancing towards her. “What makes you think you have a choice?” Kate retreated, skirting the reclining chair, making sure it was between them. “You’re an arrogant ass. I’m not your slave.” Jed gave a brief laugh. “You’re my prisoner. That’s worse than a slave.” “You have a distorted view of vengeance,” she hissed, glaring at him. The room seemed so small with him in it. Where could she go? He was blocking the door. “I’m not going to do it, do you hear me? I’ve suffered enough. I won’t submit to any more of your stupid orders!” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Brave words, Kate.” Anger and frustration bubbled over. “The Pagans should have killed you in that dungeon years ago.” He paled under his tan. His lips tightened grimly, and his nostrils flared. “I did die in that dungeon, Kate. The only thing that kept me alive was the thought of exacting my revenge on you and your people.” Fear thudded in her heart. Had she finally pushed him too far? “I’m not one of them. When will you listen to me?” In a sudden movement, he vaulted over the chair and grabbed her. “And when will you listen to me when I tell you I don’t care?” He locked his arms around her and sat down, quickly putting her over his thighs. “No!” Kate struggled and tried to get away, but he held her fast. “Don’t do this. I’ll never forgive you if you do,” she cried out angrily. His hand engulfed both her wrists. “You think I need your forgiveness? You’re mistaken.” He flipped the skirt of her sundress up to her waist and smacked her ass. The sting robbed her of breath. For a moment, Kate stopped struggling, shocked that he would actually spank her. “Let me go,” she growled. Oh, but it was utterly humiliating to be treated this way!

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“A lesson learned the hard way is a valuable one,” he retorted. “From now on, you’ll think twice before disobeying me.” Another smack landed on her backside. It stung but it didn’t really hurt. With his strength, he could easily hurt her with hard blows. The impact of his palm delivered a sharp throb, followed by a tingling heat that radiated outward to seep into her skin. Kate was horrified to feel a growing wetness between her legs. Oh God, had he turned her into some kind of perverted woman who liked being spanked? The thought had her renewing her struggles with vigor. “You’re nothing but an animal. Let go of me.” Jed ignored her outrage and continued to administer the first ever spanking of her life. Tears of frustration, anger and humiliation burned her eyes, and Kate bit her lip to stop from crying out. Through the haze of her emotions, she could feel the heat that intensified with each well-placed strike on the curve of her ass. Her nipples peaked, rubbing against her sundress. Her lower belly tightened in arousal, her inner muscles clenching hotly with each spasm. When his palm landed close to her inner thigh, Kate couldn’t stop the moan that escaped from her tightly clamped lips. At the sound, Jed stopped. His long fingers snaked under the edge of her panties and slipped dangerously close to the moist crevice between. Kate held her breath, praying her wouldn’t delve farther, wouldn’t discover her shameful secret. Of course, he did. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop the blissful sigh that feathered from her lips when he slipped inside her wet channel. “It seems all your protests were nothing but lies, my deceitful Kate.” “Please don’t do this,” she whispered, even as her hips shifted to accommodate his questing fingers. “Don’t make you come?” he asked, his voice husky. “I’d sooner stop breathing than do that.” Her eyes fluttered shut in defeat. The devastating rhythm of his hand bumping against her sensitive clit, combined with the graceful, deep plunging of three digits inside her sheath destroyed what little control she had. With a low, animallike moan, she undulated on his lap, losing herself in the tide of pleasure that swamped her with every dip and thrust. It was mind-blowing. The combination of her still-stinging flesh and the flaming heat in her pussy was almost too much to bear. The turmoil she felt was nothing compared to the pleasure he was now giving her. Incredibly, as much as she hated to admit it, the spanking he gave aroused her to unknown heights, and she knew it wasn’t going to be long before she crested. She was much too stimulated for that. With a soft cry of surrender, Kate clamped down on his hand, trapping it between her legs as she came. Jed was without mercy, thumbing her throbbing clit and rubbing against that sensitive spot high inside her vaginal walls, prolonging her orgasm, pushing her higher and higher. By the time she was again aware of her surroundings, her tears were of bliss, brought about by ecstasy. She felt weak, yet invigorated at the

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same time. Jed seemed to instinctively know that, and let her lie across his thighs until she managed to stir her weakened limbs. He allowed her to stand up. Kate felt shattered, emotionally vulnerable. She forced herself to meet his eyes. They stared at each other for long moments. For a brief second, so quick she wasn’t even sure she saw it, he seemed shaken by their encounter too. She blinked away her tears, grateful he wasn’t gloating over what had just happened. It would have been too much. She pulled in a shaky breath. “I’m not used to being a prisoner. No matter how you try to lump me in the same mold as the Pagans who’ve hurt you, and even though I have their blood in my veins, I am nothing like them. Having my freedom taken away—my right to independent thinking disallowed—has never happened to me before. I don’t—” she inhaled a steadying breath, “I’m not used to it. I don’t like this situation.” She bravely met his enigmatic gaze. “I’m my own person, Jed. Can’t you understand that?” He didn’t respond. What did she expect? He was a Cyborg, a warrior trained to fight. Emotions wouldn’t sway him. She felt defeated, but not broken. Never that. Before she could lose her courage, she went on. “Having said that, I believe you have to live up to your side of the agreement, too,” she reminded him in a last-ditch effort to break the fog of lust that was still surrounding her. Just don’t look at the bulge pushing against his trousers. “When are you letting me go?” “I haven’t decided,” he replied curtly. “Just be thankful I spared your life. The others were not so lucky.” She swallowed. An indefinite stay with him would surely destroy her. “Give me an answer. Tell me when all this will end.” His eyes were dark and insolent. “Why would I do that when you disobey me at every turn? When you live up to your side of the bargain, I’ll live up to mine.” “I’ll try. I don’t know what you want from me,” she whispered tremulously. He brushed against her, running a finger down her cheek. “Satisfaction.” Oh God. “Haven’t you done enough to me?” He fingered a loose tendril of her hair. “I want you,” he declared huskily. “Like I’ve wanted no other woman.” He slid his hand under her hair and sensuously rubbed her nape. “I thought I’d get you out of my system,” he mused aloud, “but every time I fuck you, I want to do it again and again.” She trembled. Jed took her hand and placed it on his cock. Kate couldn’t help but curve her fingers around the length of his shaft, feeling his heat through his trousers. “What did you do to me?” he muttered, sliding his lips over her cheek. “N-nothing,” she stammered, suddenly breathless. The right question would be, what did he do to her? He tipped her face up. “I’m not ready to let you go yet.” His expression grew serious and intense. “Even now, all I can think of is pushing you against that wall and fucking you.”

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A shudder reverberated through her. “It’s just temporary.” Their eyes met for long, endless moments before he stepped back from her. “You’re right. Still, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying each other while we’re together. In due time, I’ll let you go.” That was good enough. It had to be, for now. Deep down, she knew that was the only concession she’ll get out of him. If nothing else, she would at least get out of this alive. She had to make the best of her situation. “I will call Ariel in and wait for you outside.” That was it. Subject closed. But no matter, Kate felt that she’d made important inroads in securing his promise that he would release her. When, he did not say. But her hope that she would once again see Earth and her sister was still alive.

***** Kate tugged self-consciously at the sarong-style wraparound dress that fell to midthigh. Jed had surprised her, gifting her with the beautiful Dakaran cloth she’d admired earlier at the market. The garment was a shimmering green which closely matched the shade of her eyes. She’d been stunned and left to stammer her thanks. Typical Jed, he just turned away and left. Lela had shown up and helped fix her hair. The young woman had worked wonders with the thick, unruly mass, pulling it back into a cluster of curls that fell down her back. With Lela’s urging, Kate took out the brand-new makeup that Erin had insisted on buying her for the cruise. Reluctantly, Kate applied eye shadow the way her sister taught her, highlighting her eyes. The end result amazed her. She didn’t look at all like herself. “Sumaya, you are beautiful,” Lela exclaimed. The flush of pleasure stayed with her until she joined Jed a few moments later. Hovering uncertainly by the entrance, she looked around the massive room where a number of people were gathered. She saw him standing with Rohm and another man on the far side. Heads turned to look at her. Kate fought the instinct to step back out the door. Lifting her chin, she took a deep breath and made her way to Jed. “Kate.” Rohm greeted her with a smile. Kate bowed her head and did an awkward version of a curtsy. Next to Rohm was another man of similar height and build. Standing with Jed, Rohm and the guest, she felt surrounded by testosterone. The other man, it turned out, was Rohm’s brother. Prince Aric was the ruler of Southern Dakara. Kate furtively admired Aric, who was similar in physique to Rohm and no less attractive. He was dark to Rohm’s light, his black hair interspersed with streaks of amber that no hair color formula could have achieved. Rakish and handsome, Aric’s dark eyes twinkled with amusement. Ah, the charmer, she thought. “Jed,” Aric began with an infectious grin. “You didn’t tell us you were mated.” 76

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Kate felt her face turn hot and crimson. An awkward silence descended over their small group. Jed’s lips twisted into a cynical smile. “She’s my prisoner.” Aric’s gaze swung to her, speculation in their depths. Kate squared her shoulders, refusing to look away. Why be embarrassed? Jed said nothing but the truth. She was his prisoner. “As you can see, Your Highness,” Kate pointed to the tracking device clasped around her ankle. “Jed wasn’t lying. I am his prisoner.” Aric grinned. There was admiration in his gaze as he looked at her. “And a beautiful one at that, Kate.” Rohm handed her a long, tall glass of tumbah. Kate took a sip of the delicious drink, for a moment actually wanting the bliss of drunkenness. Maybe then she’d avoid more awkward moments like this. Aric engaged her in conversation, skillfully separating her from the rest of their small group. He was utterly charming, good-looking and powerful. More than half the women in the room kept casting furtive and not-so-furtive glances at him. She noted that most of the females sported Rohm’s jewel-encrusted nipple chains. Of course. They would probably have a public orgy later. She was quickly learning that such was the way of life in Dakara. As the evening wore on, a buffet-style dinner was laid out on a long table by scantily dressed female servers. Jed seemed content to leave her alone, keeping company with a buxom woman who was hanging all over him. Twice she’d caught him looking at her as she talked with the relentlessly charming Aric, a frown marring his brow. But he always gave his attention back to the busty woman who was all but spilling her breasts onto his arm. Kate found herself seeking the quiet of the balcony after dinner. With a small drink in hand, she slipped through a side door. Nights in Dakara were warm, and the two full moons shone brightly in the sky. The Feast of the Full Moons, she learned, came twice a year and always warranted a big celebration. The silence was welcome and exactly what she needed at the moment. “I see you’ve found my favorite place.” Startled, she whirled to find Rohm standing beside her. “Your Highness.” The magnetism of his smile instantly transformed his whole visage. Rohm really was a handsome guy. There was an air of blatant sexuality that surrounded him, one that was palpable to any female he met. Very dangerous. “The Feast of the Full Moons is always a busy time for my kingdom.” He inclined his head. “Have you been to the town?” “Oh yes. It’s such a beautiful place.” A sudden wave of sadness hit her. “It reminds me a little of my home on Earth.”

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Rohm nodded in understanding. “My hope is that you will see your home again soon.” “Would you help me if I asked you to?” His lips curved into a small smile. “Jed wouldn’t like that. I heard that your attempt to escape didn’t turn out too well.” “You know about that?” “There’s not much that goes on in my kingdom that I do not know about,” he said simply. “And even if I had a mind to help you get back home, I wouldn’t go against Jed.” Her smile was rueful. “It was worth a try.” She threw him a curious look. “Jed never did say how you and he became good friends.” Rohm chuckled. “He is always one to keep things to himself. Jed and I met when he was brought here to train as a Defender. When the Pagans invaded Karn’al, they killed all able-bodied men, raped the women and mutilated the children. They wanted to ensure nobody would rise up to fight against them.” No wonder Jed’s anger against the Pagans ran so deep. How could a whole race of people be so cruel? She was ashamed to even be associated with the Pagans, even just being a half-blood. And though she didn’t agree with Jed’s general hatred of all Pagans, finding out how the Karn’alians suffered made his rage understandable. “How awful.” She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. “Most of Jed’s people died. Here in Dakara, we were similarly occupied fending off the Pagan invasion. The only help we were able to send Karn’al were scientists and doctors who devised a way to help the remaining male survivors and turn them into Cyborg warriors, to rebuild the bodies of those maimed, to enable them to fight. Jed is one of those. They had to fit him with a new eye, to replace the one that the Pagans gouged out.” A picture of Jed as a small child, helpless, enraged and bloody, came to her mind. Her voice broke. “He lost his family?” Rohm nodded. “His father was a respected scientist. He was one of the first ones killed, along with Jed’s mother.” He took a sip of his drink before he continued. “When Jed arrived here, we trained in the army and fought for a time together, until finally the Pagans were driven from Karn’al.” And that’s how their friendship had been formed. Kate realized it was a bond as strong as that of brothers. “He never told me.” Powerful shoulders shrugged. “He’s not one to talk.” His voice dropped in volume. “When he was captured by the Pagans, he’d just found Ama—” he paused, “somebody very close to him. She was killed in the ambush.” Kate knew this part of the story. The Pagans had killed Amari before they took Jed prisoner. And then I fucked him. The anger and bitterness that he’d felt must have been boundless.

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“He came here to recuperate,” Rohm added quietly. “It was a long time before he was declared fit for combat. He had a lot of time to plot his revenge.” She was sickened by what she’d just heard. “I’m the last piece of the revenge puzzle.” Now that she heard his entire story, she could understand a little bit about the anger that festered in Jed. “I don’t think revenge will ever rid him of the bitterness.” She closed her eyes, anguish searing her heart. “I hope, when this is over and he lets me go, that he finds a measure of peace.” Rohm propped a hip on the edge of the balcony rail. “You have family back on Earth?” It was an effort to lighten the mood. Kate smiled, thinking of Erin. “I have a sister. She’s lovely, smart and courageous. I miss her.” “If she is half as beautiful as you,” Rohm murmured in a low, appreciative voice, “then she is indeed exceptional.” Kate burst into laughter. “Oh, no. Erin is nothing like me. Men flock to her like flies.” Rohm frowned. “Flies?” She sought to explain. “Men just gravitate to her naturally. Erin is more beautiful than I can ever hope to be.” He threw her a sexy grin. “Somehow I doubt that.” He straightened and moved closer to her. “I’ve been remiss in my duty.” His gaze dropped to her lips. “I haven’t given you a proper welcome to Dakara.” Kate’s eyes widened as Rohm bent his head and came lower. He’s going to kiss me! But how did you say no to a prince? Easy. You didn’t. That was her last thought as her eyes fluttered shut. His lips touched hers, cool and soft. Kate sighed, unexpectedly enjoying the kiss. It was light and persuasive, drawing her deeper, coaxing a response from her. By the time his tongue ventured inside her mouth, she was more than lost in the kiss. “You are neglecting your guests, Your Majesty.” Kate jumped back and saw Jed standing behind Rohm, scowling. To her surprise, instead of taking offense at Jed’s surly tone, the prince laughed. “You are right, my friend,” he agreed in an easy voice. “Kate.” With a nod, he went inside, leaving the two of them on the shadowed terrace. But as it turned out, she had nothing to fear. Jed didn’t even glance at her. He turned away and followed Rohm, but not before saying, “Go to the room and stay there.” After he left, she stood there, looking at the closed door. There was an odd twinge in her heart at his lack of reaction. Was she hurt that he’d dismissed her so easily? And why should she be? Shouldn’t she be happy to be banished to the room and not have to witness the orgy that was sure to come? Angry and confused at what had just happened, Kate stomped to the room and slammed the door behind her.

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***** Jed stared broodingly at the sight before him. A woman was enthusiastically sucking Aric’s cock deep into her throat, moaning her enjoyment. Two additional women were on each side of him, keeping the young prince more than busy. He shifted restlessly in his chair. There had been a stunning, shapely young woman who’d offered to keep him company, but he’d sent her away. Oddly enough, he wasn’t in the mood. He frowned into his drink, looking at the tumbah as if it held answers to his questions. What the hell was wrong with him? He was annoyed and his blood simmered. With more force than necessary, he pushed himself out of the chair and left the room without looking back. He ignored everybody, intent on getting to his destination. In the docking bay, he activated the door to his hovercraft. Inside, he sat at the controls and rested his hand, fingers spread wide, on the diagnostic reader. He pressed the control and ran a test on his com-plant. “System functioning at 100% efficiency,” a disembodied voice announced. “Systems normal.” He frowned. He pressed another series of buttons. Maybe a deeper systems check would yield the results he was looking for. “Com-plant functioning at 100% efficiency.” “This cannot be right,” he muttered under his breath. “Something is wrong.” He tried again, only to get the same results. Jed pressed the voice-activated connection to the main computer on his ship, the Karn’alia. “Computer, run a physical systems check.” The computer whirred silently for a moment. “Temperature, normal. Body function, normal. No illness detected.” He sighed loudly. What else could it be? “Computer, I do not feel right.” He didn’t know how to describe what he was feeling. For the first time in his life, he couldn’t adequately express what was going on inside. “Can you run any other systems check? I’ve never felt this way before.” It took a moment before he got his answer. “System cannot diagnose emotions, Commander. The com-plant can only monitor intensity of feelings and how it relates to combat situations.” He slumped back on his chair, pulling his hand off the diagnostic reader. What now? By all rights, the invitation he received from the stunning young woman earlier should have at least pricked his interest. But it hadn’t. Not even a little. He had in mind a temperamental, curvaceous, flame-haired woman who looked heart-stoppingly gorgeous with her hair in a riot of curls falling down her back. At the thought of Kate, his cock stirred. Jed looked down at the offending body part and frowned. When he’d seen her kiss Rohm, he’d been assailed by feelings he’d never felt before. There was anger for sure. Kate had never kissed him, but she was quick to favor Rohm with one. Why not me?

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What was wrong with him? And he didn’t like it at all that she’d appeared to be enjoying the embrace. Irritation flared inside him, spreading like a poisonous toxin through his system. He’d sent her to the room, needing some time to sort out his feelings. Cyborg warriors were trained to put their feelings aside, be objective and analytical. Emotions had no place on the battlefield. But he wasn’t on a battlefield. He didn’t know what to make of his feelings. He’d all but choked on the possessive feelings that rose up to his throat when he saw Rohm holding Kate in his arms. In his mind, Jed played over and over again the sight of Kate kissing Rohm, of their mouths melding, of the sigh that he’d almost heard from her, the slow closing of her eyes. His lips curled. One kiss and Rohm had been able to bring that lost look on her face. Whereas he… She couldn’t even bring herself to kiss him. Twice she’d averted her face when he moved to kiss her. He frowned. He had no diseases to speak of. He faithfully bathed every day. His internal system was set up to ensure he had no foul smell on his breath. He powered the computer down and exited the hovercraft. He stopped short when he found Rohm waiting for him outside. “Everything all right?” Rohm asked. Jed gave a casual shrug. “Just performing a routine systems check.” When he drew level with him, Rohm spoke again. “I didn’t think you would mind that I kissed Kate. After all, we’ve shared many females before.” He kept his face impassive. “True.” “Then you would not mind if I—?” Holding up a hand, Jed halted Rohm’s words. He didn’t need to hear the rest. “You have numerous women here to serve your every need. They’re not enough?” It was some time before a small grin curved those royal lips. “Kate is a very interesting woman. She’s beautiful. Besides, she doesn’t seem to be averse to my attention. Is it so strange that I would want her company?” Jed carefully kept his expression blank. “No. I suppose not.” Rohm cocked his head. “It is all right with you?” No. It isn’t. “Why should it not be?” His friend suddenly grinned. “We could share, just like old times.” He and Rohm had trained together for combat, fought together and fucked together. “I’ll pass this time,” he finally answered. Those golden eyes, which hid a razor-sharp mind, looked at him searchingly for a moment before he nodded. “My thanks, my friend.” Jed sought to give a nonchalant shrug. “As long as she’s willing. You’re not planning on doing anything tonight, are you?” he was driven to add. Rohm grinned. “Oh, she will be willing. Of that I have no doubt. I’ve decided it would be nice to spend some time alone with Kate tomorrow. That is, if that’s all right with you?” 81

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Jed remembered the kiss and could not find fault with his friend’s conclusion. “It doesn’t matter to me.” Then why was he so pissed? Long after Rohm left, he stood there, staring off into space. The vague dissatisfied feeling was still there, as was the other unexplainable malady that was beginning to irritate him. He abruptly whirled around and locked the hover cruiser. His mind was made up. He followed Rohm.

***** For the second day in a row, Kate woke up with a crick in her back from sleeping on the hard floor. She moaned softly and turned over, stretching and rubbing her back in the places she could reach. Then she froze. The bed was undisturbed, the sheets smooth and pristine. It hadn’t been slept in. Where had Jed slept? Thoughts of the woman who’d been hanging on to his every word last night came to mind. Had he spent the night with her? Probably. He’d have to be dumb, deaf and blind not to see the blatant invitation she was issuing. Kate snorted. Ass. Sending her to the room like a recalcitrant child while he went off and fucked that woman! A mental picture of Jed, naked and sweating, riding the big-breasted woman, suddenly flashed in front of her. Her lips tightened. Anger began to boil inside her. She could almost hear the woman’s moans of ecstasy as Jed drove in and out of her. Stop it! Why was she even thinking of him? Who cares what he does when he’s with other women? She certainly didn’t. But why was he fucking somebody else when she was right here? That thought pulled her up short. Why was she so mad that he slept with somebody else last night? Shouldn’t she be thankful that he’d left her alone? Maybe his interest in her was waning. Maybe the end to her imprisonment was near. But instead of being thankful, she was pissed. If she was honest with herself, she might admit the feeling bordered close to jealousy. Jealous? Why would she be jealous? He wasn’t her lover, he was her jailer. So what if he’d given her orgasms the likes of which she’d never had before. That didn’t mean he couldn’t go out and fuck another, right? Right. The only reason I’m mad is he didn’t even tell me he wasn’t spending the night. I could have used the bed. How dare he leave her lying on the floor when he wasn’t even going to be here? She could have slept in comfort last night instead of waking up with an aching back. But it was okay. Kate pulled the pillow from beneath her head and punched it hard before putting it back. Big-breasted woman was welcome to him. In fact, she could keep him again tonight. It was better to sleep in this room without him anyway.

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Chapter Eight There was no sign of Jed the whole morning. Was he too tired from romping with big-breasted woman to make an appearance? Had she sapped him of all energy and left him sleeping on a bed somewhere? This thought made Kate want to gag. He hadn’t even seen the results of Ariel’s handiwork. He’d ordered all her body hair removed, but wasn’t there to see it. Typical. She paced back and forth, fuming in the room, wishing he would make an appearance. The longer she waited, the more she fumed. So when the invitation to a private luncheon with Prince Rohm came, she was more than happy to accept. She was not going to stay in this room a minute longer than necessary. Kate didn’t feel quite as brave when she followed one of the maids up a tall, curving staircase. This part of the palace was unfamiliar to her. The higher they got, the quieter it got. This was a deserted, very private wing of the palace. She began to have misgivings. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to accept an invitation from Rohm without Jed knowing about it. He wasn’t anywhere around to be informed. Besides, what could be the harm in eating lunch with the prince? It’s not as if they would be totally alone, right? Kate pushed her doubts away and lifted her chin. Just have a good time. The guard in front of her opened the ornate double doors with a quiet flourish, gesturing for her to enter. As soon as she stepped over the threshold, the doors closed behind her with a decisive click. Her heart thudded. The room was actually a tower, an open-air, circular room that afforded a breathtaking view of the beautiful Dakaran countryside. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she stood uncertainly by the door, taking in the lavish decoration. Oversized, plump pillows lay on the floor, surrounding a picnic befitting royalty. Tall, crystal flutes sat gleaming next to a gold bottle filled with the much-favored tumbah. There was also an assortment of meats and fruits on a nearby tray. “Hello, Kate.” Her gaze swung to Rohm, standing tall and looking unmistakably royal in plain black attire. She bowed and bent her knee, executing the graceful customary greeting for him. “Your Highness,” she stammered. “Come.” Kate moved forward on slightly unsteady legs and stopped in front of him. He gave her a reassuring smile before he sat down on the pillows. “Sit down with me. I won’t bite, I promise.”

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Slightly flustered, she sat down. The full skirt of the sundress she’d chosen to wear billowed out around her legs, covering her modestly. “You look very beautiful today,” he remarked in his smooth, deep voice. “Thank you.” He handed her a drink of tumbah. “Maybe this will help you relax. Do I scare you?” Taking a confidence-bolstering sip of the liquor, she shook her head. “It’s not every day I have lunch with a prince.” Rohm threw back his head and laughed. “True. It’s not every day I have lunch with a human, either. That gives us something in common, I think.” Kate relaxed enough to shoot him a smile. “You’re right.” He pierced a piece of meat with a silver fork and brought it to her lips. “Tell me about your home.” She chewed and thought for a minute. “I was born on Earth. My father was a doctor, in a country called the United States of America. My mother, as I’m sure you know, was Pagan. They met on Earth and got married.” “That is very interesting. Was it difficult to blend two worlds together?” Kate shook her head. “At first. According to my father, my mother didn’t tell him the truth about herself right away. Eventually, she did and he came to accept it.” “The Pagans are not a particularly pleasant race,” he commented tactfully, continuing to feed her bites of the delectable meat and fruit. With a growing sense of alarm, she noted that Rohm had steadily inched closer, until he was sitting right next to her. “Your Highness, I—” He sighed. “I still make you nervous.” “Well—” His firm, masculine hands landed on her shoulders and began a gentle massage. “Relax, Kate,” he whispered in her ear. “I can’t,” she squeaked, highly conscious of his large, male body next to hers. “Would it help if I ordered you to relax?” “Not really,” she replied in a strangled voice. “You give me no choice but to do this,” he uttered with mock regret. Kate froze as a black cloth dropped over her eyes. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” she protested faintly. “It’s all right,” he assured her gently. “This will help you relax around me.” Yeah, right. Her pulse skittered wildly. What was he doing? “Just listen to the sound of my voice,” he whispered in her ear. “I don’t want you uncomfortable around me.” “This isn’t helping,” she choked out.

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His husky laughter tickled her ear. Light as a feather, he trailed his fingertips down her arm. “Better?” Kate froze as his lips skimmed over the side of her neck. Oh my God, the future King of Dakara was actually seducing her. “With all due respect, Your Highness, what are you doing?” “I must be failing miserably if you do not know what I am doing.” Rohm actually sounded amused. “You are a beautiful woman. One I am very interested in knowing.” Screwing her eyes shut beneath the cloth, Kate tried, really tried, to enjoy Rohm’s caresses. He was indeed skillful and confident. He had the touch of a practiced lover. But all she could picture in her mind was a certain blue-eyed, brown-haired Cyborg whose touch drove her to distraction. One who’d slept with somebody else last night. Her lips thinned. Why should she think about him? Here was an exceptionally goodlooking man, a prince for heaven’s sake, and he was trying to seduce her! Why not enjoy him and wipe Jed from her mind? Why not indeed? Rohm released a warm chuckle. “I can almost hear you thinking, Kate.” Expelling a breath, she made an effort to relax. “That’s better,” he murmured with masculine approval. Kate sat still, absorbing his light touch, concentrating on his voice, letting his words wash over her. His hands were never still, trailing down her arms, tracing the ridges on her palms, following the curve of her waist. All she felt was a pleasant tingle, a warm feeling. Where was the rush of blood pounding in her veins? Well, she reasoned, maybe there were different levels of arousal. Sex couldn’t always be explosive and minddestroying, right? Sex could sometimes be warm and gentle, she insisted to herself. Rohm’s hands ventured to the undersides of her breasts, the heat of his skin penetrating through the thin cotton of her sundress. She didn’t demur when he curved around the mounds, cupping them lightly in his hands. She didn’t protest when his thumbs brushed against her nipples. Again and again. She felt a mild stirring inside her. At last. There it was. Curiosity, more than anything else, made her sit still and absorb her body’s reactions to Rohm’s touch. She breathed deeply as he grasped her hands and gently tugged them to either side of her. “Your Highness…” His chuckle felt entirely too warm at her nape. “Don’t be afraid, Kate. I won’t hurt you.” He had secured one of her wrists to something metal, clinking softly. Before she could protest, he’d done the same to the other one. “I don’t think—” Rohm silenced her with a finger on her lips. “Shhh. You think too much.” He pulled off her blindfold.

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Kate blinked. It was a moment before she could focus. She looked from side to side and found her wrists chained to metal rings on the floor. It was loose enough that it gave her some movement, but not much. She was effectively tied down. He was behind her, softly caressing every bit of exposed skin he could reach. She sucked in her breath sharply as the door opened abruptly and slammed against the wall. Jed. She was unable to take her eyes off him as he came towards her. His face was drawn in tight lines, his eyes dark and unreadable. Kate swallowed. Her gaze dropped to his chest. Shirtless, his muscles rippled softly as he approached where she sat. Her eyes unerringly found the bulging muscles of his thighs, strong and powerful under the soft material of his pants. But it was his crotch that drew her gaze and kept it, for it strained against the fastening of his trousers, making its presence known. He was aroused, magnificently so. Heat spread like hot liquid in her veins. The flaring of his nostrils, the hot slide of his eyes over her body, stirred her like no other. She felt her nipples pucker and tighten, plain for him to see. “You did not think I was going to let him have all the fun, did you, Kate?” he drawled softly, coming to kneel in front of her. Instinctively, she tugged on her hands and realized she was bound and helpless in front of both men. The thought should have scared her. Instead of terror, she felt a slow melting of her defenses, accompanied by the sharp sting of hot awareness. Oh God, were they both going to fuck her? The thought brought a soft moan to her lips. A grin tugged at the corner of Jed’s lips. His eyes were shooting hot sparks at her breasts and she trembled. He was looking at her like he was about to devour her. She glanced over her shoulder at Rohm. “You planned this,” she breathed unsteadily. In response, he skimmed kisses over her shoulder and placed his big body behind her, positioning her between his spread knees. His hands were never still, always roaming, touching and gliding over places she never knew were so sensitive. Jed wasn’t idle either. He released her wrists one at a time, undressing her before slipping the restraints on her once again. Dazed, flushed with anticipation, Kate was left in her bikini briefs. She gasped as Jed pushed her legs wide apart and pulled the silky material taut over her pussy. “Beautiful,” he murmured. “Very,” Rohm murmured over her shoulder, looking at the picture of her splayed out in front of him. Little needles of fire were pricking her skin all over. Kate squirmed, trying to dislodge two pairs of hands that were driving her to distraction. Her mind fogged over. This was wrong. She shouldn’t let them do this. “Stop,” she whispered, halfheartedly.

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The two men stilled. Jed tipped her chin up, making her look directly at him. “Do you really want to stop, Kate?” No! Her lips trembled. She couldn’t speak, could only shake her head. Swooping down, he took a nipple between his teeth and gently bit down. A streak of pleasure-pain shot through her. As her hips arched up helplessly, she was grateful for Rohm’s firm hold on her waist. Together, Jed and Rohm unleashed an attack on her senses. Rohm offered her breasts to Jed, who couldn’t seem to get enough. The breath was driven from her lungs and she never got it back. The fire that swirled in her belly pushed every sane thought from her mind. Wave after wave of pleasure battered her senses, leaving her gasping and moaning. “Oh God,” she cried out and bit her lip. Jed licked over and over, around and around the swollen tip of her breast, but never quite reached her nipple. Teasing and taunting, making her shiver until she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Please.” But he was intent on torturing her, transferring to the other breast and leaving that nipple likewise aching. Frustration gnawed at her. She wanted his mouth on her, pulling her deep into his mouth and sucking. Hard. Jed had other plans, however, and licked his way down her stomach. Splaying his hand on her stomach, he gently pushed her down. Rohm shifted farther back until she was half-reclining on him. Jed poured some chilled tumbah in her navel. She gasped at the shock of the cold liquid on her hot skin. With consummate skill, he licked the liquor from the shallow opening like a cat would lick cream, performing the task with such sensuous concentration that she couldn’t look away. “Ohhh,” she moaned brokenly. Rohm’s fingers replaced Jed’s lips at her breasts. He alternately squeezed and plumped, pinched and soothed. It drove her to distraction. Surely there was only so much pleasure a woman could take? Her breath came in choppy pants as she lay, a helpless and willing sexual vessel for the two of them. Jed disposed of her silk underwear before he bent and buried his face between her legs, inhaling her scent. The simple action was oddly touching, penetrating the haze in her mind for a moment, tugging at her heartstrings. It was such a naked display of emotion from one such as he, part-man, part-Cyborg, taught never to show emotion of any kind. He straightened and hooked a hand around the tall bottle of tumbah next to him. Gasping and wide-eyed, Kate watched as he spread her legs impossibly wider and placed the mouth of the bottle at her pussy. “Jed…” she began, her voice trailing off helplessly into a whimper as he gently inserted the bottle in her slick opening. She never thought the sight of a bottle

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penetrating her would be arousing, but it was. The look on Jed’s face was priceless as he took in the way her pliant muscles clung to the widening mouth of the invader. Rohm reached over her shoulders and pulled her knees up, giving them both a clear, uninterrupted view. Cool liquid splashed inside the walls of her vagina. With a soft moan of surrender, Kate canted her hips, taking more of the bottle inside her. “Naughty Kate,” Jed murmured in approval. “You want more?” She bit her lip. The combination of the cool liquid against the heat of her pussy drove her insane and she could only nod. Tumbah escaped her clenching muscles and trickled down her inner thighs. With the flat of his tongue, Jed licked it all up. Every movement nudged the bottle deeper into her and bumped against her sensitive clit. A harsh cry of pleasure escaped from between her lips as she came, powerless to stop the huge orgasm that slammed into her. Her inner muscles contracted, the rhythmic tightening acting as suction for the bottle. “By the Gods,” Rohm rasped, his eyes glued to the gently undulating bottle. He curved his hands around her inner thighs and squeezed in time to her pulsing pleasure. After some moments, Jed gently pulled out the bottle and replaced it with his mouth. He slurped the liquid, sipping from her pussy. “Yes. Oh, yessss,” she chanted in mindless abandon. She wished her hands were free so she could pull him harder against her. He seemed to know what she needed, eating her with such concentration and intensity that she came again moments later. He lapped her moisture and savored her release. Rohm’s fingers plucking at her breasts added to the erotic spell they wove around her. She was lost, a slave to immeasurable pleasure. Kate strained against her bonds, strained against Rohm’s hold. She wanted to be able to participate, to touch, to kiss. But Jed had latched onto her pussy like he was going to stay there forever. His tongue was an instrument of erotic torture that seemed intent on knowing every inch of flesh between her legs. Pleasure melted her bones, her body pulsating deeply with every long, slow lick. She leaned against Rohm, shuddering as he rained tiny kisses on her exposed neck. “Ah, Kate,” Rohm murmured in her ear. “To see you in the throes of ecstasy is a sight I will not soon forget.” He slid his hands down to her inner thighs, strumming along lightly, his touch a light tickle that left goose bumps in its wake. Curving his palms to cup the cheeks of her buttocks, his fingers teased the puckered opening of her ass. Kate gasped in shock, automatically clenching her muscles, trapping his fingers in the crease. He gave a husky, delighted laugh. “Just like I guessed. You’re untouched here. Oh, what I would give to initiate you.” That drew Jed’s head up and a rueful chuckle erupted from the prince. “But I’m positive I will not be given the chance.”

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His words barely registered in her pleasure-drunk mind. Hazy and fuzzy, she felt Rohm stand up, the erect, disturbing length of his cock sliding up her back. “Enjoy,” he bade them before quietly slipping out the door. Opening her eyes, Kate focused on Jed. He reached out to undo the restraints on her wrists. All thought flew from her mind as he flipped her over and pulled her on her knees. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. The breath was driven from her lungs as he fit the broad head of his cock into her dripping slit and pushed home in one violent thrust. “Ohhhh,” she whimpered. He was huge, so huge and deep inside her. Jed gripped her hips and pushed in just that little bit more, cramming her pussy so full that she could feel him pulsing deep inside her. She was breathing raggedly, leaning on her elbows, and dared to look over her shoulder at him. “Do you feel me, Kate?” he asked hoarsely. His cock twitched deep inside her, pulling a groan from between her parted lips. “Do you?” Kate threw back her head. “Yessssss.” He began to move, not with gentle thrusts, but with fast and deep strokes. Each time he would withdraw almost completely before plunging in once again, pushing through pliant muscles, aided by the moisture that gathered in her pussy. “More,” she demanded in a low whisper. “Fuck me!” He responded with a grunt before clamping one hand on her shoulder, pulling her back to meet his ever-intensifying thrusts. It took all of a second to learn his rhythm, to adopt it and to follow it. She canted her hips, giving him complete and total access, however he wanted it. The pleasure was so intense, so sharp, it bordered on pain. And when he lifted her up, her back against his front, she could only hang on. His arms wrapped around her, his hands cupping her breasts, molding them and pulling at the nipples. Kate welcomed the sharp sting. She wanted it. She needed it. It was the perfect foil for the wanton, unbelievable pleasure his driving cock gave her. She placed her hands over his and squeezed tighter. “Harder,” she demanded breathlessly. Her skin was slick with perspiration. Drops of sweat were rolling down her back, mingling with his, rubbing against his skin, the friction increasing the heat in and around them. She shuddered with every violent thrust, her senses whirling out of control. When he slipped out of her and turned her around to face him, she whimpered in protest. “Did you want him to fuck you?” he whispered in her ear, his harsh breath sliding across her cheek. She panted, unable to muster the words to answer. Her hips rose, seeking his, wanting him to be deep inside her again. Inarticulate sounds of pleading broke from her lips as she met his glittering gaze.

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“Did you like the idea of the two of us fucking you, Kate?” he growled. “Do you want to have two cocks in you?” He plunged inside her in one stroke. “Don’t forget, Kate, you’re mine. Mine!” Kate cried out, drowning in the overwhelming pleasure. She didn’t pause to analyze where this driving need came from. “Fuck me,” she panted. “Please fuck me.” His blunt fingers strummed her aching clit, making her hips buck wildly. The harsh expletive he muttered echoed in her ear as he burrowed deeper into her pussy, forcing her slick flesh to give way. He was pounding into her like a madman, again and again, in his single-minded pursuit of satisfaction. Kate squeezed her eyes shut, mindless and dazed. “Scream for me,” he ordered harshly. “I want the whole kingdom to know I can make you scream in pleasure.” Her nails dug into his arms as she held on. The cry that was hovering on her lips exploded in a full-fledged scream as she came. She’d lost control. She suspected Jed had too. Plowing into her with deep, driving strokes that stretched her to the limit, Jed gripped her hips and groaned as he, too, came. Long minutes later, Kate lay exhausted on the pillows, not daring to move, wondering what Jed was thinking as he slumped over her. He gently withdrew, the long slide of his cock causing another round of pulsing in her pussy. “Does the thought of having two men at once excite you, Kate?” he asked in a low voice. She sucked in a sharp breath. “I-I’m not sure. I’ve never done it before.” His lips curved in lazy amusement. “It’s a pleasurable thing. If all involved are willing.” He drew back slightly and looked down at her. “Rohm and I have shared a lot of things, including women. But when it came down to it, I just couldn’t let him have you.” His tone indicated his surprise. “I’m not ready yet.” Kate realized this was an important moment. The honesty in his words revealed the turmoil he was feeling. “I’m glad,” she confessed softly. “You are?” She traced his lips with her finger. “When Rohm invited me to have lunch with him, I agreed only because I was mad that you stayed away all night,” she finished in a rush. She didn’t know why she was making all these revelations to him. All she knew was that, cocooned in the intimacy of the moment, she wanted to tell him how she felt. No lies, no deception. Just the truth in exchange for his explanations about what he felt. He frowned. “Why?” Kate lowered her gaze. “I thought you spent the night with that big-breasted woman you were with last evening.” “And that bothered you?” She squirmed under him in discomfort. She didn’t like laying herself bare this way. “At that time it did.”

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“Do you still feel the same way?” he asked carefully. She met his gaze directly. “Did you sleep with her?” She didn’t care anymore that she was beginning to sound like a jealous lover. “No.” His voice rang with honesty. “I did not want her.” Relief flooded her at his words. Suddenly, the urge to kiss him was overwhelming. Without giving herself time to analyze her action, she leaned up and kissed him. Jed froze. This was the first time their lips had ever touched. Electricity arced between them, stinging her with razor-sharp awareness. No backing out now. Kate shifted closer and licked his lips, starting from the corner, sweeping over the full lower one, before finally darting inside quickly, teasingly. She did it again, liking the taste of him on her tongue, inviting him to participate. His eyes darkened a moment before he took over, capturing her lips, pushing his tongue into her mouth. Yes. Kiss me. Kate opened for him, sucking him deep into her mouth, engaging him in a sensuous duel. His taste was unique, warm and spicy, the erotic flicks of his tongue quickly raising her temperature. He shifted, coming over her completely. “I want you again.” She almost grinned at the wonder in his tone, as if it had never happened to him before. “Okay,” she whispered against his lips. Jed swept a hand over a breast, cupping it softly before coasting over the slight swell of her belly to her pussy. He rubbed the now-smooth area, devoid of hair. “I like it this way.” Kate eagerly opened her legs at his silent urging, moaning at the way he smoothed his palm over the bald skin. Moisture gathered in her pussy, at the incredibly sexy way he was looking at her. Like he was about to devour her. Her gaze drifted down to his cock, which was once again pointing straight up in blatant arousal. He leaned back, his eyes glued to her glistening labia. “I want to see your pussy.” Lust buzzed in her ears. Without the slightest hesitation she used her fingers to pull her pussy wide open. “Touch yourself,” he ordered. Biting back a moan, Kate slid a finger over the edge of her labia, gathering the juices there. Slowly, she drew her finger up and around her swollen clit, going in ever smaller circles but never quite touching it. A shudder went through her at the hunger that glittered in his eyes, as he looked down at her without blinking. Finally, unable to hold back the need raging in her, she rubbed her aching clit. “Ohhhh,” she moaned in enjoyment. “Tell me how it feels,” he rasped. His hand fisted on his cock, slowly traveling up and down the thick length. The ridged head was almost purple with rampant arousal.

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“It feels really good,” she breathed. A new, more daring spirit had taken over her. She felt no shame, no embarrassment in touching herself in front of him. “But not as good as the feel of your tongue.” His lips lifted at the corners, not quite a smile, not quite a grimace. He was breathing hard. “Show me.” The harsh breath she expelled broke the silence. She plunged a finger in her weeping slit before she brought it to her lips and tasted her own juice. The sharp breath he drew in didn’t escape her notice. Giving him a small, sexy smile, she licked the finger once more before pushing it back in her pussy, adopting a leisurely in-and-out motion. Drenched in cream, her finger slipped in and out with ease. Jed delivered a light, quick slap on the bare mound of her pussy. Kate whimpered in shock, the sting only increasing her readiness. “Oh, yes.” “From now on,” he declared softly, “we will keep this pussy bald. I like seeing it bare like this.” One finger became two, sliding easily inside her. But she needed more. She needed his long, thick cock filling her up. Spreading her legs wider, she arched up in blatant invitation, her wet pussy open and needy. He scooted closer, rubbing the engorged head of his cock against her swollen clit. She moaned. “More.” Ignoring her demand, he rubbed around and around. The soft, wet sound of his flesh against hers mingled with their panting breaths. Intent on torturing her, he kept the shaft bumping against her clit while he reached up and pinched her nipples. Sharp pain rushed from the tips directly to her vagina, bringing a helpless, needy moan to her lips. “Did you like it when we both touched you?” he growled. The combination of his cock teasing and rasping against her pussy and his fingers tweaking the distended tips of her nipples had her shuddering and pleading incoherently. “Answer me,” he commanded. Her mind was feverish. She needed him inside her now. She needed his big cock to relieve the heat swamping her body. “Oh, yes.” Her voice was husky with longing. “I enjoyed it.” She opened her eyes, glazed with wanting. “But right now, I want you.” The possessive glint in his eyes didn’t even bother her. She looked at the stiff cock sticking out from his dark nest of curls and she wanted him in her mouth, wanted to take him deep down her throat once again. Kate shivered. She didn’t even know herself anymore. This wanting, this need, was so unlike anything she’d ever felt before. He followed her gaze and slowly stood, legs braced apart, unmoving, waiting, his cock wet and glistening with her juice. “I want you in my mouth.”

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Surely that wasn’t her talking? The words were shocking, husky with desire, almost pleading. She was beyond shame. Nothing else mattered but appeasing this need hammering against her. Jed grimaced. “I don’t think that’s a good idea right now. I won’t be able to last.” Kate got on her knees and crawled to him. “Just one taste.” Without waiting for him to say yes or no, she fitted her lips over the ridged head and moaned in utter bliss. She felt him stiffen but he made no move to stop her. Instead, he plunged his hand into her thick hair and guided her movements. God, he tasted good. Salty and musky and oh-so delicious. Delirious, she took him deep, wanting to take all of him, but his sheer size made it impossible. She was possessed, a ravenous woman who sucked and licked for all she was worth, gently raking her teeth over the sensitive ridge under the flared head, spurred on by his deep groan. She was so aroused she could feel her juice trickling down her inner thigh. But she couldn’t stop sucking him. She just wanted to… She gasped when he abruptly pulled her up. “What—?” “No more,” he bit out harshly. Pulling her down on top of him, he sat on the pillows. He made her straddle his hips, opening her thighs wide above his. Without any warning, he sheathed himself to the hilt, burying his enormous length in her wet pussy. The momentary discomfort of being stuffed so full made her voice break as she cried out. In the next instant, her cry turned into a moan of pleasure as he stroked in and out. His hands gripped her hips, guiding her, showing her the pace he liked. Kate bounced on top of him, completely in tune with what he needed. She needed the same rough, fast, hard thrusts. His hands swept up her front and gripped her bouncing breasts. The push and pull against her nipples drove her insane. Her breath shuddered from between her lips. When he gently bit down on a tip, she arched more of her flesh into his mouth. Yes. Bite me. Harder. Harder… She didn’t know if she said the words out loud or merely thought them. When his hands curved around her ass, his fingers brushing teasingly against the puckered entry, she lost her breath. When he gathered her juice on one finger and slipped inside her, she lost her mind. And when he began a gentle thrusting inside her ass, she began to beg him for more. “Feel good?” he asked, sucking on her lower lip. She shuddered. “Y-yes.” “Soon I will bury my cock all the way in your ass,” he grunted against her ear. The thought made her tremble violently. “Promise?” A strained, pained groan was his answer. Keeping his finger buried deep inside her, he began a mind-blowing, violent thrusting that hurtled them over the edge. Kate wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on, biting her lip in a vain attempt to

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suppress her screams. But as her orgasm slammed into her, a keening cry burst from her lips. Jed didn’t let up, stoking the fire once more in her pussy. Trembling and dazed, she could only moan as she felt him stiffen, his cock twitching against her pulsing vagina. The hot blast of his seed seemed to last forever, until they were slumped, exhausted against each other. His palms smoothed up and down her back. Relaxed and sleepy, she winced when he touched a particularly tender spot. “Does it hurt?” he asked in concern. She gave him a smile. “My back is killing me. I guess from sleeping on the pallet. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Jed’s eyes darkened. “Maybe a hot bath and a massage will make you feel better.” Her eyes were already closing in drowsiness. “Hmm. Sounds good to me.” Kate was barely aware of his arms tightening around her. “From now on, you will share the bed with me.” “Okay,” she agreed softly, her head falling on his shoulder as sleep claimed her. Hours later, Jed left Kate sleeping peacefully and wandered out to the royal gardens. The two moons of Dakara shone brightly, illuminating the profusion of colorful, blooming flowers. Rohm was sitting in his favorite spot, next to the balustrade with trailing vines of ivy. “I knew I’d find you here.” Rohm glanced up and smiled. “You know me too well, my friend.” He poured a glass of tumbah and gave it to Jed. “Everything all right?” Jed sipped his drink before nodding. “No hard feelings?” “I ought to have you drawn and quartered,” Rohm threatened mockingly. Dropping on the chair across from him, Jed snorted. Rohm uttered an amused laugh. “I never thought I’d see the day when you would refuse to share.” “Neither did I.” Jed stared at his drink as if the answers he sought were there. Rohm’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “At least you know she’s not averse to the idea of a threesome. It might make things easier for you when she has to go through the Ritual of Acceptance.” Jed frowned. “A woman only goes through that if she’s a Cyborg’s mate.” “You don’t intend for her to be your mate?” Rohm asked with keen interest. “It never crossed my mind,” Jed revealed slowly. Taking a sip of his drink, Rohm threw him an assessing look. “Have you given any thought to letting her go?” When he didn’t answer Rohm went on. “Sooner or later, you’ll have to do it. Are you telling me you haven’t thought about that?” “I’m not ready to let her go yet,” Jed muttered. 94

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“If you’re not planning to make her your mate then you’re going to have to release her sooner or later. You have to report for duty soon.” Jed grunted. “Don’t you think I know that?” His friend burst into laughter. “Jed, my friend, I believe the little human has got you wrapped around her beautiful fingers.” Jed scoffed at that. “Nonsense. She’s my prisoner, that’s all.” “I don’t think she’s just a prisoner anymore,” Rohm argued in a voice that held a hint of challenge. “If she was, you wouldn’t find it so hard to let her go.” Jed hated that Rohm sounded so reasonable. “When did you gain all this logic?” Rohm laughed. “Since I saw your face red with jealousy when I had Kate in my arms. I think you need to reexamine your feelings for her.” His lips quirked. “I know I don’t have to remind you that you’ll have to share her to fulfill the Ritual of Acceptance. There’s no way around that.” Jed’s irritated gaze swung abruptly to him. “Again, you’re assuming she’ll be my mate.” The prince leaned back on the chair and propped his feet up on the table. “Ah, but you can’t let her go.” He sipped his drink. “I say you have a dilemma, my friend. You can’t keep her around forever as a prisoner, but you won’t take her as your mate. Where does that leave the lovely Kate?” That shut him up. Rohm laughed once again. “If you want my opinion, I think you’ve fallen for your Pagan prisoner.” “I didn’t ask for your opinion,” Jed retorted sharply. But Rohm’s words brought him up short. Could his feelings for Kate have changed? The seething anger and bitterness that had driven him to find her and get his revenge was just no longer there. Instead, he felt possessive of her—he cared for her and didn’t even want to think of losing her. If indeed Rohm was right, then he had a whole new set of problems to deal with. He wasn’t in love. He was besotted, yes, and addicted to the sex. Other than that, he felt no emotional attachment to Kate. He couldn’t. The union of a Karn’al Cyborg and a Pagan would never be allowed. Ever.

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Chapter Nine It was the last day of the Feast of the Full Moons and the castle was bustling, as usual. After Kate woke up, she wasn’t quite sure what to say to Jed. He didn’t seem inclined to talk either as they quietly got ready for the day. The one bright spot of the morning was when he removed the tracking device from her ankle. The gesture of trust made her feel immensely better. She readily agreed when Jed suggested a walk around the town. As they walked through the market, she was suddenly filled with the need to get to know him. Munching on a sweet Dakaran fruit, she glanced at him. “Tell me about Karn’al.” Jed shrugged. “Karn’al is much like Dakara, located in the same galaxy. It used to be a prosperous, merchant planet. Life was simple, but fun.” A slight smile tugged at his lips. “I remember exploring hidden caves and visiting my father at his laboratory.” His eyes darkened. “All that changed when the Pagans came.” Kate squeezed his hand. “Please tell me what happened.” His expression became closed. “I don’t want to talk about it.” “I want to know,” she implored softly. “I want to understand.” “What do you want to know, Kate?” he bit out in a tight voice. “How the Pagans came and invaded my home? How they systematically killed all the men and raped the women? How they mutilated every single child they found, ensuring nobody would grow up to fight against them?” The bitter anger in his voice tugged at her heart. “I’m very sorry for what happened to you and your family.” His lips curled in disgust. “The Pagans seek to kill and destroy. Nothing else.” “I’m sorry about Amari, too,” she whispered softly. He frowned and turned away. There was a twinge in her heart at the faraway look in his eyes. He’s still hurting from losing her. Was he remembering the times he’d spent with Amari? Just once, she wished he would look at her that way, with that soft, tender look in his eyes. She swallowed. Don’t go there. But she couldn’t help it. It was as if a demon was driving her. “You must have loved her very much,” she observed through numb lips. Again, he frowned but didn’t answer. Why was it important to her to hear him confirm that he loved Amari? So what if he did, an inner voice said. You were the one he fucked last night and it was obvious he enjoyed the hell out of you. So what if he’s reminiscing about a woman he loved.

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It still didn’t sit well with her, no matter how she rationalized it. Why did she want to bring out those feelings in him anyway? There was no chance of it happening. She was only here for his revenge. Kate’s relaxed, carefree mood vanished quickly after that. As if echoing her feelings, the sky turned dark and gloomy. She trudged after Jed, no longer interested. If he noticed the change in her, he didn’t say anything. She kept her mouth shut and ceased to even notice her surroundings. When Jed stepped into a store tucked away at the end of a street, she kept her head bowed, not interested at all. His conversation with the shopkeeper reached her ears but she wasn’t listening. Her mind churned with confusing thoughts. Hadn’t she read somewhere that captives often started to have feelings for their captors? Her time with Jed was temporary at best, though he hadn’t told her when he planned to let her go and return her to her home. And even if he didn’t, would she want to play second fiddle to the memory of a dead woman? No way. How sad would that be, competing against a memory? Grappling with her feelings, she didn’t even hear Jed approach her. “Come with me.” He tugged her into a small, private room with mirrored walls. “Where are we going?” she asked suspiciously. He began to work on the fastening of her sundress. She whirled around. “What are you doing?” “Stay still,” he ordered, his eyes twinkling. When her dress fell to her waist, she gathered it up in her hands. “What is going on?” “Turn around,” he commanded in a tone that brooked no argument. Kate did as he asked, her arms falling to her sides, exposing her breasts. To her surprise, Jed produced a fine gold chain with clamps at both ends. Her breath caught sharply as he fastened it on both nipples, the chain hanging delicately in between. The pinch of the clamps had her breath quickening. “What’s this for?” she croaked through dry lips. His eyes had grown dark, so dark, as he looked at her clamped and adorned breasts. “So everybody will know you’re mine.” Her pussy grew wet. She felt suffocated by the heat that suddenly rose in the cramped room. Her knees threatened to buckle. “I can’t go out this way,” was all she could say, indicating the flesh-colored underwear she wore. Jed picked up her sundress and tore off a piece of the long skirt. Her gasp of dismay rolled right off his shoulders as he tossed what remained of the beautiful garment aside. He wrapped the fabric around her hips. Speechless, Kate could only look at him. He fingered a tendril of hair that curled on her shoulder. “You look beautiful, Kate.” He turned her around to face the mirror. The Kate that stared back at her looked different. A dark flush rode high on her cheeks and her green eyes sparkled brightly. Her red hair fell in curls past her

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shoulders, the same curls that she’d cursed a thousand times for being untamable. Even the breasts that she’d privately thought were unsightly because of their size looked good with the nipple chain on. Her skin had a rosy sheen to it, offsetting the stiff, red tips of her breasts. The Kate that stared back at her actually looked sexy and desirable. The amazing part was she didn’t feel self-conscious or embarrassed at being half-naked. Rubbing her thighs together, the wetness in her pussy increased at the way he was looking at her. The deep breath she took pushed out her breasts, drawing his gaze to them. He backed her against the wall, a predatory gleam in his eyes. Desire fisted tight in her stomach and she trembled. “Jed, no,” she muttered in a weak attempt at stopping him. “Yes,” he countered in a husky voice. Tugging loose the cloth he’d just wrapped around her, he threw it on the floor before attacking her underwear. Weak with want, she obediently kicked them off. He straightened and captured her lips, plunging deep inside the receptive cavern of her mouth. He made short work of the fastening of his trousers and freed his massively engorged cock. Her womb contracted sharply with need, responding to the hunger hammering through her. Even the inner muscles of her pussy began to clench rhythmically, anticipating the moment when he would impale her with his cock. She whimpered, her arms going around his neck. “Hurry.” He grunted, easily lifting her off the ground and guiding her legs around his hips. The first thrust buried his enormous length in her body to the hilt. Her pussy contracted, tightened, gave way. Dimly, Kate heard herself cry out as he impaled her again and again. Mindless. Hot. Lost. That was how she felt as he pounded into her. Her skin tingled, sharp little needles of electricity racing up and down her spine as she absorbed every sensation she felt. “Oh God,” she moaned. “Yes. Harder. Fuck me harder.” Jed braced his feet firmly on the ground, his grip on her hip almost bruising in its intensity. Kate tightened her inner muscles every time he withdrew, relishing the tortured sound of his breathing. Jed’s lips skimmed her neck, pulling at her skin and sucking it between his lips. She didn’t care that they were inside a store, or that the shopkeeper could probably hear them through the walls. All she cared about was Jed stroking inside her, alternately deep and shallow, side to side, filling her, fucking her out of her mind. She didn’t even recognize the husky, breathy voice that pleaded for more as hers. His arms tightened around her. In the cramped confines of the small room, the air was thick, the atmosphere stiflingly hot. Her skin was slick with perspiration, mingling with his. Her heart raced. The tingling intensified, becoming unbearable. She was going to come. “Jed!” Kate screamed as pleasure slammed into her, robbing her of breath, dimming her senses. 98

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His groan of release broke simultaneously, their mingled sounds filling the air. Kate wrapped her arms around his neck and hung on, his release prolonging hers, biting her lip as pleasure rushed through her, tearing at her consciousness, sapping her of strength. In those seconds as her orgasm roared over her, she realized her feelings had changed. She no longer felt the biting resentment and bitterness at being abducted. Her eyes opened in shock but it was too late. She already knew the truth. She’d fallen in love with her Cyborg.

***** The next day, Jed was gone when she woke up. Left to her own devices, Kate opened her suitcase and took out her purse. Pulling out her wallet, she flipped it open and drew out the pictures she kept inside. There was one of Erin, smiling and looking into the camera. A sudden wave of homesickness assailed her. God, she missed her sister. She hated that she couldn’t get in touch with her. Erin was probably worried sick, not knowing what happened to her. “Oh, Erin,” she whispered softly. “I miss you. You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you where I am right now.” Sunday mornings were reserved exclusively for sister time. They’d have breakfast together, then do girly stuff like shopping or getting their hair done. Erin was the only family she had left, and it hurt to think that her sister probably thought she was all alone in the world now. She touched the picture with a fingertip. “I’m all right. I really am. I’ll be back soon. I promise.” Kate looked out the window, blinking away the tears that came to her eyes. She had no idea how far away she was from Earth, or how long Jed intended to keep her. But she couldn’t help but miss home, miss her sister, miss the life she’d led. “What’s wrong?” Kate jumped and found Jed standing right next to the bed. She hadn’t even been aware that he’d come into the room. “N-nothing.” She hastily gathered all her pictures to stuff them back into her wallet. He stopped her. “What are these?” She sniffled. “Just pictures. I’ll put them away.” Jed sat down on the bed and picked them up, looking at them closely. “Please don’t take them away. I was just—” He frowned. “Do you think me a monster to take these away from you?” He held up Erin’s picture. “Who is she?” “My sister, Erin.” Kate tried to read his gaze, to see the usual admiration that inevitably arose when men looked at her sister. Jed’s gaze was curious, but she detected nothing else. “And this?” She smiled. “That’s my cat, Lady Luck.” 99

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“You like this…cat?” “Of course,” she replied. “I know she’s not much to look at, but she was a stray cat I found wandering around. She was so skinny and obviously unloved. She looks much better now.” Jed shot her a disbelieving look. “I can’t believe she looked much worse than here.” Kate chuckled. “She did. I nursed her back to health and took her in as my pet.” “And this?” “That’s where I live,” she supplied. Her apartment was small, but it was home. Until now, she never realized how much it meant to her. A wave of sadness crashed into her. She pulled in a deep breath. “Let me put them away. It’s silly to even be looking at them.” “You’re unhappy.” For some reason, that comment made tears rush to her eyes again. “I’m just homesick, I guess. I mean, when I left to go on that cruise, I never thought it would be the last time I’d see home. I didn’t know you were planning on—well—it doesn’t matter now.” Jed stared at her for a long time. Kate gave him a weak smile and gathered her things, stuffing them back into her wallet. She almost yelped when he pulled her off the bed and out the door. “Where are we going?” she asked, a trifle breathless. “You’ll see.” He pulled her down the usual maze of hallways and down a flight of stairs before going through a door tucked in a darkened wing. The room was dark, and Kate stumbled before righting herself. Jed stopped before a console of sorts and pressed some buttons, illuminating the panel. “Should we even be here?” she whispered, her gaze darting around. He merely chuckled. “Trust me. I’ve been here before.” “What are we doing here anyway?” He pushed some more buttons. A holographic image of a planet came up before them. “Recognize that?” “Earth!” she exclaimed. “But how? What is this machine?” “It’s a holograph imager, one of Rohm’s toys.” Jed grinned. “If you type in the name of the city you live in, the computer can pull up images. Just like the real thing.” “Really?” “Yes, really.” He inclined his head. “Go on.” Suddenly excited, Kate typed in Miami. In a few moments, the whole room was filled with a satellite image of the city. “You can go closer,” he informed her, his fingers flying over the panel. The image changed to that of downtown Miami, with its glass buildings and numerous hovercrafts.

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“It seems so real,” she marveled, in awe. “Is this legal? I mean, how can Dakara call up images like this? Isn’t there some law being broken somewhere?” “Dakara possesses advanced technology, such as this program. As future King, one of Rohm’s duties is to foster good relationship with other worlds. While Earth may not be in the same galaxy as we are, trust me when I tell you that however small your home planet is, it’s still valuable to have as a friend.” “Can I try?” When Jed moved aside, she typed in her address. Right away, an image of her neighborhood appeared. “Oh! God, it looks so real.” Jed pressed a button. The image slowly moved, as if taking them on a guided tour. “There’s my apartment,” she breathed. It looked so close, as if she could just reach out and touch it. “And there’s the corner shop where Erin and I go to eat. It has the best old-fashioned hamburgers and fries anywhere in the world.” And right there outside the coffee shop was their usual table, shaded by a cheerful umbrella. As the images progressed, she was once again assailed by intense feelings of homesickness. Tears welled again in her eyes as she saw the familiar sights, even saw the park where she took afternoon walks. Stark pain wrenched at her heart. It was too much. She couldn’t bear to look at it for one second more. Kate choked on a sob. “Enough.” She turned around, not wanting to see any more. She felt physically ill. “I think I’ll go back to the room and lie down for a little bit. I’m not feeling well.” Without waiting for his reply, she ran blindly for the door and out into the hallway. As she hurried back to their room, tears ran down her face unchecked. She knew Jed meant well by taking her to the holograph room. But it only made matters worse. She felt more homesick than ever. In their room, she indulged in a long crying jag before she exhausted herself. Jed probably thought she was crazy. But he wouldn’t understand. He wasn’t the one suddenly plucked from everything he knew and transported millions of miles away. Let him think what he wanted to. Drained, she hugged a pillow and closed her eyes. She’d rest, just for a little while. It wasn’t long before she was fast asleep.

***** Lela shook her awake. “Sumaya, it is time to get up.” Kate blinked groggily. “What time is it?” “It is afternoon, sumaya.” Lela grinned. “Master Jed bade me to bring you to him.” She rubbed her eyes. “Where is he?” “I will take you to him. But first, let me help you get ready.” Lela pulled her up from the bed and marched her to the bathing area. In no time at all, she was bathed, scrubbed, rubbed with a sweet-smelling cream that felt like silk on her skin and her hair put up in a riot of curls on top of her head. Lela helped her put on the shimmering Dakaran sarong-style dress that she wore the other night. 101

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“It brings out the beautiful color of your eyes, sumaya.” Kate followed Lela out to the gardens, growing more curious with each step that took them farther away the palace. The young woman finally stopped at a secluded meadow, hidden by a copse of trees. She smiled. “Go on, sumaya. Master Jed is waiting for you.” Murmuring her thanks, Kate took the few steps past the towering trees and was instantly surrounded by the fragrant smell of blooming flowers and vegetation. She stopped as she saw Jed sitting on a blanket spread out on the lilac grass. A basket sat to his right, along with a bottle of tumbah and a couple of glasses. He stood up and took her hand. “Come sit down.” “What are we doing here?” Jed grinned. “We’re having a pic-a-nic.” He enunciated the word carefully. “A what?” She couldn’t help but smile at that. “Do you even know what a picnic is?” He shrugged. “Easy enough to find out with the help of a powerful computer.” It was such a thoughtful, uncharacteristic gesture that she wanted to hug him. “This is nice.” An air of anticipation surrounded him. Jed’s beautiful eyes twinkled. “There’s more.” He pulled the basket next to him and flipped open the lid. “I want you to know I worked hard to find out what this is.” He took a covered platter from inside the basket and laid it on the blanket in between them and opened it with a small flourish. Inside was an old-fashioned hamburger, complete with lettuce and tomato. Next to it were fries. Kate gaped at him. “Where did you get this? I mean, how did you—?” He grinned. “My ship has a food replicator. I spent the entire day researching the history of Earth and finding out what exactly were ham-bur-gers and fries.” Tears came to her eyes at his thoughtfulness. “When we were in the holograph room, you mentioned this food.” He flushed, looking slightly embarrassed. “I just thought it would make you feel less homesick.” Kate hugged him tightly. “Thank you.” “You feel better?” He sounded uncomfortable about the whole thing. She wanted to laugh. This big, dangerous Cyborg felt embarrassed that he’d done something as sweet and thoughtful as finding out what hamburgers and fries were. Something she was sure couldn’t have come easy for somebody who had no knowledge about the history of human food. “Yes. Much better.” She kissed him. Slowly. Softly. When their lips parted, he smiled. “While I was looking through hundreds of years of information on Earth food, I also found something I learned humans love to eat.” “Oh? What’s that?”

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“Strange-looking thing, really,” he commented, reaching into the basket again. “But I learned it’s very popular, especially among women.” He held out his palm. Jed was holding a chocolate candy bar. Kate threw her head back and gave a delighted laugh. “You made chocolate! I can’t believe it.” “You like this?” Jed asked doubtfully. “It’s certainly not much to look at. Just a brown piece of sticky thing.” She took the candy bar and held it to her chest. “Ah, but to human females everywhere, it’s the best thing that was ever invented.” “If you say so.” Eagerly tearing off the wrapper, she bit into it. The sweet taste was like heaven to her taste buds. “Oh yessss.” At Jed’s amused gaze, she offered him a small piece. “Taste it.” He bit into it gingerly and chewed. “It’s very sweet.” He paused. “And surprisingly good.” Kate laughed. “I just can’t eat a lot of it. It goes straight to here.” She patted her hips. “You might become addicted too. Be careful.” “My com-plant regulates my weight and supplies me with any supplements I need.” She snorted. “Figures.” Taking a fry, she popped one in her mouth. “Hmm. Delicious.” She sipped the tumbah he handed her. “Thank you again.” “It was a little enough thing to do,” he responded gruffly. Wanting to thank him properly, she climbed on his lap and kissed him. Their lips parted and clung, exchanging long, deep kisses. To Kate, the moment felt more intimate than any other she’d shared with him. When he finally let her go, she sat back and ate the food he so thoughtfully provided, sharing it with him, telling him about her childhood, about her life on Earth. For his part, Jed seemed genuinely interested, asking her questions, laughing at her stories, listening to her talk about her sister. “Life was simple until we found out the truth about Mother. It was such a shock. Like I didn’t really know who I was anymore.” Kate looked at him, searching for any kind of reaction. But the usual anger he showed at the mere mention of her Pagan bloodline was nowhere to be found. Jed gently put her back on the blanket, looking down at her. “If I were to give you a choice whether you’d like to stay with me or go home, right this minute, what would your answer be?” Kate stilled. There was an intense glint in his eyes. Instinctively, she knew this was an important moment for both of them. They’d come a long way from that first day, when he’d been driven by anger and motivated by revenge, and she was fearful and

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angry. Things had changed. She no longer felt the same way. His question echoed in her head. Right now, at this moment, did she want to leave him? She was compelled to be honest. “I miss my sister and my home very much. But,” she pulled in a deep breath, “right now, at this moment, I’d rather stay with you.” There was a flicker of relief in his eyes and something else, but it was gone before she could read it. Jed pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. “I’m glad.” No other words were needed.

***** Finding herself alone the next morning, Kate made her way outside to the garden. The serenity of the place beckoned, filling her with peace as she sat on a bench. Kate tried desperately to come to terms with her feelings, examining them in and out, under and over. Despite what he’d done to her, she’d fallen in love with Jed. She glanced at the picture of her sister she held in her hand. Oh, Erin, if only you were here with me. Then I’d have somebody to talk to. She sighed, feeling homesick. “Hello, Kate.” Kate jumped up, whirling around to see Rohm standing behind her. “Your Highness.” Red color seeped onto her cheeks as she remembered the last time she’d seen the handsome prince. Her eyes slid away in discomfort. He gave a warm chuckle. “Don’t be embarrassed.” “That’s easier said than done,” she mumbled, keeping her eyes downcast. Rohm sat down on the bench and patted the space next to him, gesturing for her to sit down. “What happened between us was completely natural. I would have loved to have continued,” he added in a rueful voice, “but it wasn’t the right time.” His eyes twinkled. “I didn’t want to incur the wrath of a jealous Cyborg.” Kate flushed. “I don’t think it was jealousy as much as marking his territory.” Those royal eyebrows rose. “And are they not one and the same?” “Do you think so?” she asked earnestly, wincing at the hopefulness in her tone. “I do,” he answered solemnly. “Whatever circumstances brought you two together, I think it bears some reexamination now. For your part, do you agree?” Her feelings had changed. “Yes.” His lips tilted in a smile. “I’m sure Jed feels the same.” He tipped her chin up. “Now tell me why you’re sitting here looking forlorn.” “I was just thinking of my sister,” she admitted. “I miss her.” She held up the picture. “This is Erin.” Rohm took the picture in his hand and gazed at it intently. “Is this an accurate likeness of your sister?” Kate grinned. “Yes. She doesn’t look anything like me, huh?”

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His gaze never left Erin’s picture, staring intently at it. “She’s beautiful.” “Oh yes,” Kate agreed enthusiastically. “She’s sexy and confident, too. We’re as different as night and day,” she finished with a smile. “Is she mated?” “No. At least she wasn’t when I left her on Earth,” she added with a frown. “I’m assuming she doesn’t know where you are?” With a sigh, she shook her head. “No. And I’m sure she’s worried sick. I wish I could get in touch with her somehow.” Rohm looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. “I have diplomatic matters I have to take care of that will take me close to Earth. I could take a message to your sister, if you like.” Her eyes lit up. “You would do that for me, Your Highness?” The prince shrugged. “It seems a little enough matter to make a short detour to your planet.” Kate hesitated at the quick glimpse of the predatory gleam that flickered in Rohm’s eyes. He was entirely too interested in Erin’s picture. In fact, he hadn’t let go of it. “O-on second thought, I shouldn’t impose,” she began. “Nonsense.” Rohm dismissed her protest. “It’s not an imposition at all.” He was a little too eager to take her message to her sister. But then again, Erin was a grown woman. She definitely knew how to handle a man, even one like Rohm. She’d been doing it all her life. And Kate wanted Erin to know she was okay. “All right,” she replied slowly. “If you’re sure it’s not a problem.” Having gotten his way, Rohm flashed his most charming smile. “I’ll be happy to take a message disc to your sister.” Kate swept her doubts away. The most important thing right now was to get a message to her sister. “Thank you, Your Highness.” Rohm summoned a guard who stood nearby. “Kate will give you her sister’s location. I’ll also need a scan of this image,” he instructed, handing the picture over. He then flashed her a small smile. “To enable me to recognize her, you understand.” “Of course,” she agreed enthusiastically. The prospect of sending word to Erin made her feel immeasurably better. Rohm nodded. “After you record your message, why don’t you talk to Jed about it?” he prodded gently. “He’s a reasonable man. He’ll certainly see no problem with sending word to your sister.” Her eyes lit up as hope bloomed inside her. “Do you really think so?” “Yes, I do. Besides, he can’t stop me, now can he?” True. No matter how close they were as friends, Rohm was still undeniably a royal, soon to be King of his own world.

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Rohm spoke to the guard once more. “Take Kate to the communications room. She needs to use the vid-rec.” He smiled at Kate. “Record a message for your sister. Assure her you’re safe. It will make you and her feel better. And I promise, I’ll take it to Erin.” Before she could stop herself, Kate hugged him. “Oh thank you, thank you, Your Highness.” He chuckled. “You’re welcome. I think Jed will agree that anything that wipes that sad look on your face is a good thing. Now go.” Giddy and excited, Kate followed the guard to another wing of the palace. Here was a maze of some of the most complicated technology Kate had ever seen, a veritable wall of machines that she couldn’t even begin to understand. She was shown to a small private room, where a vid-rec was already set up. “Please press this button when you’re ready,” a staffer explained, handing her a palm-sized remote control. “Then again when you’re done. The vid-disc will automatically come out of the machine and you can take it then.” With a small bow, he left her alone. Kate sat down, taking a deep breath. Where should she begin? She swallowed, looking directly into the vid-rec. Pressing the button to activate the machine, she began to speak. She started from the beginning, explaining to Erin how Jed took her. Tears came to her eyes, and though she promised herself she wouldn’t cry, she couldn’t help herself. Finally, she revealed her conflicted feelings. “I don’t know how I feel, honestly,” she confessed. “I don’t hate him so much as…care for him. I mean, he still infuriates me. He’s domineering and controlling, but I still can’t help but care for him. I mean, he made me chocolate.” Fresh tears came to her eyes. “Can you believe that? I was feeling terribly homesick and he actually programmed this—this food replicator on his ship to make chocolate because he somehow found out that human females love it. You’ll probably call me stupid and think I’m an idiot, but it’s how I feel.” Wiping away her tears, she took a deep breath. “I hope to see you soon. I don’t know when or how, but we will see each other again. Right now, I don’t really want to leave him.” She looked earnestly into the lens. “I hope you understand what I’m trying to say. I just wanted to let you know I’m fine. I’m alive. Don’t worry too much about me. I don’t know when I’ll be able to send you another message, but the guy who brought you this, he’s actually a prince, soon to be ruler of his own kingdom. And he was very generous in offering to take this to you. So be nice to him, okay?” Kate felt better now that she was able to let it all out, even if only through a vid-rec for her sister. “I love you, Erin.” She pressed the button to stop recording. It was as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Retrieving the little disc from the machine, she walked out and went in search of Rohm. Soon Erin would know she was fine.

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***** Out of breath, Kate ran into the docking port, anxiously looking for Jed. She couldn’t wait to talk to him. When she heard his voice, she hurried to it, skidding to a halt when she found him with two other men she didn’t recognize. They all turned when she came into view. Wide-eyed and a little breathless, she looked at his companions, both tall, dark-haired and muscular, similarly built to Jed and wearing similar attire. It wasn’t difficult to guess that they were Cyborg warriors like him. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know you had company.” The one with the deep blue eyes so like Jed’s gave her an easy smile, his gaze full of appreciation as he looked her over. “Well, hellooo.” “Hello,” she replied with a shy smile, surreptitiously shielding her bare breasts with her arm. She reddened further when their gazes dropped to her chest and saw the nipple chain. Jed frowned. “Kate, why don’t you wait for me in the room? I’ll be there shortly.” “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Jed?” Again, this came from the blue-eyed man. Kate looked curiously at them, her gaze flicking back and forth between the two men, ending on the dark-eyed man who hadn’t said a single word. She held out her hand. “I’m Kate.” The friendly one grinned. “Logan.” He took the hand she offered and clasped it in between his, turning it over and softly caressing her palm. But when he looked down and saw the mark on the inside of her wrist, he stiffened and released her hand abruptly. Logan turned accusing eyes at Jed. “She’s Pagan.” The other man came forward and grasped her wrist, examining it. He turned to Jed, his eyes hard and cold. “We need to talk.” Jed’s jaw tightened visibly. “Kate, go to the room and wait for me there,” he repeated. Both men were now looking at her with a combination of anger and revulsion. She blinked, her eyes going to meet Jed’s. He didn’t say anything, just stood stiffly until she walked away. At that moment, a group of Dakaran workers came in, laden with supplies in metal crates. Looking over her shoulder, she realized Jed had already turned away from her and faced the two men. Slipping off to the side, she crept behind some empty metal containers, making sure to keep out of sight. She peered through the cracks. “What the hell is going on, Jed?” Kate stiffened. She could tell trouble was brewing simply because of her presence. It was wrong to eavesdrop, but it was the only way she’d find out what was going to happen. She slid deeper into the shadows, her heart beating fast. Anxiety ate away at her. She had a bad feeling about this.

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Jed ran his hands through his hair. “I know what you’re both thinking.” Tristan leveled a hard stare at him. A lesser man would have quaked in his shoes, but Jed knew Tristan. He was a fair and just Commander. “What are you doing with her?” Jed exhaled. There was no way he couldn’t tell his comrades the truth. He’d never lied to them and he never would. “She’s my prisoner. She was there at Pagan headquarters when I was held captive.” “Ah, hell, Jed,” Tristan exclaimed on a soft sigh. “I thought you’d gotten over that whole thing. You lived to fight another day, that’s all that matters.” “I had to have my revenge,” he explained simply. “I had no choice.” “We all have a choice,” Tristan corrected him in a low voice. “Now you either have to let her go or kill her.” Logan grimaced. “Taking her back would bring about more problems. I say just kill her.” “No!” The two men were surprised at the vehemence of his tone. Jed stared at them, clenching his fists. “I will not kill her.” Tristan looked at him thoughtfully. “I have a feeling something else is going on here that you’re not telling us about.” “I don’t want to let her go,” he confessed in a strangled voice. Of the two, Logan was the first to recover from the surprise of his announcement. “Pussies are all the same, Jed,” he drawled. “When you’ve had one, you’ve had them all.” Anger, quick and intense, rose in his throat. “Have a care what you say, Logan,” he bit out through gritted teeth. “She’s not like that.” “She’s Pagan,” Logan reminded him with narrowed eyes. “Don’t you think I know that?” “Enough,” Tristan cut in sharply, shooting a frown Jed’s way. “You can’t mean to take her back to Karn’al with you?” His silence was answer enough. Logan rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “The Defender Triad will never allow a Pagan to set foot on Karn’alian soil, you know that.” Jed grimaced. The Defender Triad was the highest military council in Karn’al, in charge of the army of Cyborgs tasked with keeping the citizens safe from any and all that would invade their home. “Logan’s right,” Tristan agreed in a hard voice. “The only thing you can do is cut her loose right now and come back with us.” Jed just looked at Tristan, clenching his fists, knowing he couldn’t leave Kate behind.

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“You know you have to let her go,” Logan piped up, “or they’ll brand you a traitor and charge you with treason for even being with her. The punishment for that is just as bad.” He paused. “They’ll put you to death, Jed.” Silence fell. Jed knew they were only telling him the truth. He did not want to leave Kate behind. He had to think. If he was going back to Karn’al, he was taking her with him. Kate bit back a sob, furiously blinking back the tears that came to her eyes. As quietly as she could, she retreated from her little hiding space and stealthily made her way to the door. Once she cleared the doorway, she ran all the way to their room, never once looking back.

***** Jed strode into the room, relieved to find Kate sitting by the window, basking in the late afternoon sunshine, a slight breeze lifting her hair. She was unaware of his presence, and he was content to just look at her. He felt a curious twinge in his heart. She looked so beautiful, so calm and serene sitting there, that he ached for her. Where was the anger and hatred he used to feel for her? When he’d abducted her, he was intent on vengeance. He wanted to hurt her as much as he’d been hurt. He wanted to break her spirit, kill the spark of life in her eyes. Somewhere along the way, he’d forgotten his purpose and motivation. He’d lost the thirst for revenge. Instead, he’d begun to care for her. The malady afflicting him wasn’t physical. It wasn’t a malfunction of his com-plant. He could have the computer run a systems check every day and still it wouldn’t yield results. His condition was emotional. He was falling in love with his prisoner. He shook his head. What a fool he’d been. Kate had never lost her spirit. She fought him at every turn, defiant and beautiful. He’d wanted to bring her to her knees by enslaving her sexually. Instead, she’d brought him to his. Now he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her behind. He didn’t want to think of facing the future without her. Where did that leave them? It had seemed so clear when he’d set out to find her. Now it wasn’t so cut and dried. Logan was right. If the Defender Triad found out about him and Kate, they would immediately order his execution. I don’t want to let her go. The thought echoed over and over again in his head. His fists clenched. They’d have to kill him before he’d let Kate go. The only thing left to do now was to take his chances with the Defender Triad. Go home to Karn’al and broach the possibility of bringing her back with him. It was imperative to clear the way so he could take her with him. He sighed. A Karn’alian

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Cyborg bringing home a Pagan, even a half one, was going to be an uphill battle. But one he definitely wanted to fight. Kate suddenly turned and saw him. The smile she gave him was somewhat forced and there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Kate.” He pulled her up from her perch and just held her. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply. If things didn’t work out, could he let her go when the time came? He didn’t even want to think about it. Tipping her chin up, he looked his fill. He knew her image was already imprinted in his memory, but he couldn’t stop looking at her. Kate brought him back to life, making him feel things he never thought he’d feel again. “You’re beautiful.” Her green eyes slid away. “Don’t be silly.” Jed frowned. “I’m programmed not to be silly.” How could he make her see herself as he saw her? How could he express the feelings that were coursing through him? He wanted to show her he loved her. “Jed—” He cut off her words and pulled her to the bed, following her down. By the Gods, she was so precious to him. Where to begin? He wasn’t good at expressing his emotions. “I hated you for what you did to me that night,” he began, looking for the right words. “I survived on the thought of avenging my humiliation at Pagan’s hands.” When she would have said something, he stopped her. “Vengeance was the only thing that kept me alive through the nightmare of recuperation. It fed me, day after day. My hatred was such that I didn’t care about anything else. You needed to be punished.” Moisture pooled in her shimmering green eyes. “But you were no ordinary female,” he confessed. “You defied me, fought me, even tried to escape me. You weren’t afraid of me.” He skimmed her cheek with his lips. “You fascinated me.” Sniffing her neck, he licked her lightly. “Through everything I did, you never lost the will to fight.” “W-why are you telling me this?” Jed drew back and gazed into her eyes. “Somewhere along the way, everything changed. I no longer fixated on revenge.” He dropped a light kiss on her parted lips, before sliding down her front. He pushed aside the top she wore and suckled lightly on her nipple. Kate moaned softly. “I tried to keep on hating you.” He moved to the other tip, already stiff, and tongued it. “I treated you no better than a slave.” She plunged her fingers through his hair, holding him tight against her. Jed slid down and licked her navel. “I used you in every way that I wanted, in order to make you want me and hate yourself in the process.” With his teeth, he pulled aside the black lacy underwear she wore. “Like a poorly planned attack, it backfired on me.” He shouldered her thighs apart and exposed her pussy to his gaze. The fragrant smell of

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her channel teased his nostrils, making him inhale sharply. “I was the one caught in the trap—wanting you even more after I’d had you time and time again. I hated myself because I couldn’t let Rohm have you.” He glanced up and met her gaze. Tears were falling unchecked down her cheeks. “You were mine. I was jealous. I was scared that you’d prefer a prince over me. I wanted to give you so much pleasure you wouldn’t be able to think of anybody but me.” Pulling her glistening labia apart, he laved her, loved her, until she was pushing against his mouth. Jed worshipped her the only way he knew how, by bringing her to such heights of pleasure that she was sobbing out his name, whimpering, pleading, before he drove her over the edge. Only then did he let up, sliding up her body until he was face to face with her. Kate was still crying. Tenderly, he wiped away a tear. “I want to make it up to you.” Gently, he pushed inside her, closing his eyes at the pleasure that beat at his senses. He contained the urge to just pound into her. This time was for her. All about her. He tempered his thrusts, measuring the depth and speed, loving the way her green eyes clouded with pleasure. “Jed,” she moaned, clinging to him, angling her hips to meet his. Like always, being inside her tight, hot pussy drove him nearly insane. Jed bent and captured her lips, kissing her deeply. She sobbed, and he held her tighter. Together they rose to new heights, looking into each other’s eyes, sharing the most intimate experience they’d both had. Kate came, clenching around his cock rhythmically, tightly, pulsing with pleasure. It was too much. He couldn’t hold back. With a groan, he gave in and spilled his seed deep inside her. He was so spent, so affected, that he could only slump over her. She didn’t seem to mind, wrapping her arms around him, holding him tight. There was only one way out of this dilemma. He didn’t want to leave her, but if he had any chance of setting things right, he must go back to Karn’al. “Kate.” She gave him an odd, somewhat sad, smile. Jed wished he had time to talk to her, to explain, but time wasn’t on his side. The sooner he got this over with, the better. “Kate, I have to leave.” He brought a hand up and smoothed away the frown on her forehead. “I have to take care of a very important matter. It is imperative that I go.” “I understand,” she whispered. Jed took her hands in his. “I will be back. I want you to wait right here for me. Lela will make sure you have everything you need.” This had to work. He’d make it work. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him. The tender gesture tugged at his heart. Taking her breath as his own, he plunged his fingers deep in her hair, angling her to better receive him. He had to find a way to keep her. The Defender Triad be damned. They had to listen to him. He didn’t even want to think of life without Kate.

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Chapter Ten Kate huddled under the light blanket, sinking deeper into the worn seat. Raj, the merchant from Tertarra, had generously agreed to transport her to Earth. She sighed. It was more than she’d hoped for. Though his ship was full to bursting with the crystals that he sold and so old it could almost pass for scrap metal, she was thankful she was at least on her way home. The ship’s engine was also dated, and as a result, Raj had informed her their travel time would be long and slow. “Are you all right, my lady?” Raj sat down before her, concern on his weathered, kind face. She mustered up a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, Raj. Just looking forward to getting home.” Clasping his hands, she squeezed them. “Thank you again for agreeing to transport me back.” He smiled. “How could I resist such a plea, my lady? Anything to remove the sadness in your eyes.” “I’m not sad,” she denied. Raj patted her hand. “You cannot hide it, my lady. But don’t worry, it is temporary.” God, I hope so. Her heart had been heavy ever since she’d waved Jed away, still hearing his empty promises that he would come back for her. It was time to cut her losses and go home. “I’ll feel better once I am back home.” “You will feel better once you are reunited with the one you love.” Kate gave him a sad smile. “I don’t think that’s possible, Raj. Some things are just not meant to be.” He shook his head. “Ah, but that’s not what the crystals tell me, my lady.” He smiled. “You will see. The crystals are never wrong.” Handing her a piece of bread, he got up and sat at the controls of the ship. She tried to eat the soft bread, but it might as well have been sawdust for all she tasted of it. Soon, she put it aside and leaned back, closing her eyes. The farther away she got from Jed, the more depressed she became. Glancing out the small porthole, she tried to tell herself it was for the best. This was the same thing she’d told herself as she’d repacked her suitcase hours after Jed had gone and left a note for the prince. She knew Rohm had already left on his trip, but she’d wanted to thank him for his hospitality. Erin would no doubt be confused, what with getting the vid-message from Rohm, followed soon after by her own arrival. She shrugged. She’d just have to explain to Erin what happened. She’d never expected to be on her way back to Earth so soon.

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The hours passed slowly. She glanced at the jeans and shirt she wore, not used to wearing such garments anymore. The only bright spot at the moment was that she’d see Erin soon. The excitement she should feel at the prospect of going back home was nonexistent. Stop it, she told herself. Life with Jed had not been possible from the beginning. It was time to accept that and move on. Maybe if she repeated that over and over again. she’d start to believe it. Kate had just closed her eyes when the ship came to a jarring stop, the engines whining to a shuddering halt. “Raj! What’s going on?” Raj fiddled with the controls. “I do not know, my lady. It seems we’re being boarded.” As soon as the words came out of his mouth, a man suddenly materialized before them. Kate’s eyes widened in shock. Jed. His furious gaze quickly found her huddled form in the little corner. He made his way to her and pulled her up. “I ought to paddle your ass right now.” She blinked. “What are you doing here?” she asked faintly. He gripped her arms tightly, his eyes glittering with anger. “I seem to remember telling you clearly to wait for me in Dakara. Where the hell do you think you’re going?” “I’m going home.” Hope began to blossom inside her. He was here. He came to get her. “No, you’re not,” Jed snapped. “Get your things together.” Taking for granted that she would follow him, he turned to Raj. “I know this was her idea. I don’t blame you.” Raj had the audacity to grin. “Thank you, Master Jed.” When he realized Kate hadn’t moved, Jed clenched his jaw. “I will deal with your disobedience later.” Quickly gathering her suitcase up, he activated the transporter on his belt, taking them both to his ship. He didn’t even give her time to get over the disorientation of transporting, merely dragging her from the transport bay and into the operations room of his ship. Tossing her suitcase on the floor, he turned to her. “Explain,” he gritted out. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Kate glanced at the other two men in the room, Logan and Tristan. “I heard you talking to them. They said you would be put to death for being with me. Your choice was to kill me or let me go.” She lifted her chin. “Since I have no wish to die, nor do I wish to cause your death, I took it upon myself to find my way back to Earth.” Logan snickered. “She’s a feisty one.” Jed’s coldly furious eyes landed on her. “It didn’t occur to you to talk to me?” Kate swallowed, hating the weakness that was threatening to bring tears to her eyes. “You lied to me when you left. You said you would be back.” “I never lie, Kate,” he said with a softness that sent chills down her spine.

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Suddenly unsure, she glanced at the other two men, embarrassed at the amusement in their eyes. “You deserve a spanking for making me chase halfway across the galaxy when I have other more important things to do.” Logan crossed his arms over his chest. “Can we watch?” Kate glared at him, thankful when Jed threw him a silencing look before fairly dragging her out the door, down a long hallway, and finally into his quarters. She was panting hard by the time he let go of her. “I don’t appreciate you talking to me like that in front of them.” “I don’t care what they think. Now I get to deal with you,” he declared angrily. She took a step back. “Even they said it, Jed. You have to let me go. Your people hate Pagans. They will hate me.” He snorted. “Now you’re Pagan? After you told me how many times that you’re not? That you were born and raised on Earth? That you don’t think of yourself as a Pagan?” Kate refused to back down. “I’m not. You and I know that. But they don’t.” “You disobeyed me! Do you know how I felt when Lela told me you were gone?” he demanded, the breath hissing from between his teeth. Though he seemed calmer, Kate knew he was still angry. “I didn’t know where you were or what ship you were on. I had Rohm’s men check every single damned ship that left Dakara after me. Do you have any idea the trouble you’ve caused?” She squared her shoulders. “You’re the one that caused all this trouble by kidnapping me in the first place. Why don’t you just let me go?” A part of her was angry that he’d found her again. Just when she was beginning to think she’d be fine without him, he showed up again to mess everything up! Another, more insistent part of her was screaming, No, don’t ever let me go! She was a bundle of conflicting emotions. Jed advanced towards her. “You’ve been a thorn in my side from the first time I saw you.” Unaccountably hurt by his words, she gritted her teeth. “Then it’s only right that I leave. Now take me back to Raj’s ship before he departs. Let me go, Jed. It’s over.” “It’s over when I say it’s over.” He tumbled her to the bed. “Listen to me when I tell you that I—” Kate had had enough. She’d managed to gather the courage to leave him once. She didn’t think she could do it again. A clean break was what they both needed. A Pagan and a Karn’alian Cyborg could never be together. “I’m not going through this again, do you hear me? It’s over. You have to go back to Karn’al.” She choked back tears. “You have to let me go.”

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Jed held her wrists easily with one hand. Growling, she kicked at him with her feet. Anything to dislodge his hold on her. With a softly muttered curse, he gripped her chin tightly. “Stop fighting me and listen.” “Why can’t you just let me go? Forget about me, Jed.” “I can’t.” The tortured words penetrated the well of frustration threatening to overcome her. Kate froze. “Why?” she asked brokenly, hating the hope that she felt. She couldn’t afford to trust that they’d have a future together. It would hurt too much in the end. “I’m incapable of letting you go.” At that soft but firm declaration, her eyes flew to his. Her breath caught in her throat. Had she heard him right? She didn’t dare breathe, didn’t dare blink. “We were doomed from the very beginning, Jed. We can’t be together,” she whispered. “Yes, we can,” he insisted fiercely. “No, we can’t,” she cried out. “It was a foolish dream. Let me go home.” “You have nowhere to go. Raj is gone.” “What?” “He wouldn’t risk my anger. He’s not going to help you anymore.” Frustration boiled to the surface. “Haven’t you been listening to me? You and I are not meant to be.” “You are the most infuriating woman I know,” he declared, sticking his face close to hers. “Listen to me when I tell you I’ll never let you go.” Jed released her wrists and cupped her face with both hands, looking directly into her eyes. “I love you, Kate.” Her heart thudded at the three little words she never thought she’d hear him say. “You don’t have to lie to me.” Don’t look into his eyes. It was like drowning in a pool of molten lava. “You hate me.” “I don’t think I ever hated you,” he revealed gruffly. “In truth, ever since that night in the dungeon, I couldn’t forget you. Your image haunted me.” He drew her hair back from her cheek. “I watched the vid-rec over and over until I memorized every single grainy image my backup system recorded that night.” “But you were so angry, so intent on revenge when you came for me,” she recalled, her breath hitching. The corners of his mouth lifted in a rueful smile. “I suppose I was. But deep down inside, I needed to see you again. To touch you once more, to have you again.” Jed frowned thoughtfully. “What I feel for you is much different than what I felt for Amari.” Quelling the sudden surge of jealousy she felt, Kate swallowed. “I’m sorry that you lost Amari the way you did. I know you loved her.” Even though it hurt to say it, she had to. Amari had come before her, and she couldn’t fault him for feeling the way he did. “However, I won’t be a substitute for Amari.” That was something she couldn’t take. 115

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Jed drew back. “You’re not. You can never be.” She flinched. That hurt. His declaration of love suddenly seemed meaningless in the face of those words. He still loved Amari, in a way that he would never love her. That was just something she couldn’t accept. She wanted all of it or nothing at all. “Amari was my childhood love, Kate. The anger I felt when she was killed was mixed with guilt, because I wasn’t able to protect her. I blamed myself,” he confessed. “The day we went to town and you asked me about Amari, I was taken by surprise. I had a hard time recalling what I even felt for her once.” He frowned, as if trying to work out a complex problem. “All I know for certain is what I feel for you is more intense than what I ever felt for her.” He fiddled with her hair. “I’m beginning to think I never felt love before now. Until now, until you, women were just a way of getting physical release.” He stared intently at her. “You’re different.” She held her breath. She didn’t want to let herself feel hope. Jed bent his head low and pulled her lower lip between his. “Why else do you think I chased after you as soon as I found out you’d gone?” His breath mingled with hers, familiar and comforting, stoking the fire burning within her. “I didn’t think you would come after me.” He gave her a slow smile. “Now who’s lying? You knew I would go to the farthest corner of the galaxy to find you.” Slipping his tongue inside her mouth, he flicked it teasingly against hers. “You would?” she asked softly, distracted by the way he was kissing her. Her eyes fluttered closed as she gave herself up to the sensations sweeping through her. Before she totally succumbed to what she knew he intended, she stopped him. “Wait. We have to talk.” Placing a finger on his lips, she offered him a sad smile. “Much as I would like to have sex with you right now, that really isn’t going to solve our problem.” With a put-upon sigh, Jed sat up. “I told you I would take care of it. Don’t concern yourself with it.” “How could I not?” Kate countered. “You’re a Karn’alian Cyborg. I have Pagan blood. We can’t be together.” “Yes, we can.” The stubbornness in his voice had her wincing. “Do you want to die?” He pinned her with a confident stare. “It won’t come to that. I will make sure of it.” It was a cruel twist of fate that she would fall in love with a Cyborg whose very people considered her the mortal enemy. “You can’t keep me hidden away forever, Jed.” “I promise I will do everything in my power to make sure we can stay together.” “And if it doesn’t work out?” “It will. It has to.”

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God, she hoped he was right. For both their sakes. “I love you,” she whispered, laying her heart bare. Jed pulled her close, hugging her tightly. “I’m glad. You’re stuck with me forever, you know.” At her small sigh, he kissed her. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” It was enough for now. Her warrior wasn’t a typical human who could easily profess love, but he’d declared his feelings for her. Kate closed her eyes tightly, wishing she could share his optimism. Their union was something that was sure to spark controversy and problems in his home world of Karn’al. I love Jed and I don’t want to be separated from him. But a Karn’alian Cyborg and a Pagan together? It seemed impossible.

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Chapter Eleven Kate was terrified. She stood before the Defender Triad, her knees shaking, her palms sweating. They surveyed her with suspicious eyes. Kate had the terrible feeling that they would have gladly ordered her death if not for Jed standing beside her, tall and proud, a reassuring presence. “Tell us why we should allow a Pagan in our midst.” A stern-looking man with pinched lips spoke. His name was Ilmas, and he was one of the Triad. Her gaze darted to Jed. He’d instructed her not to speak unless spoken to. “Kate is only half-Pagan,” Jed explained in an even voice. “Her mother escaped Pagan tyranny at great risk to her life and fled to Earth, where she married a human and bore his children.” “Once a Pagan, always a Pagan.” This came from the man on the left side, Tar. The distaste was very obvious in his voice. “I disagree,” Jed replied evenly. The man snorted, earning a reproving look from the thin man who sat in the middle, Marron. Silence reigned when Marron held up a hand. His gaze swung to Kate, his face remote and unreadable. “Are you willing to be his mate?” Kate gulped, wide-eyed and nervous. She glanced at Jed, looking for help, but there was none to be had there. He stared back at her without expression, his nostrils flared, his eyes shuttered and waiting. She took a deep breath. “Yes.” She realized the soft whooshing of air she heard was Jed releasing his breath. Threading her fingers through his, she offered him an encouraging smile. “This is new territory for all of us,” Marron continued firmly, addressing the entire room. “For so long, we waged a war against the Pagans, preserving our people, preserving our way of life.” His voice was deep and commanding for such a thin man, easily carrying through the silent hall. “Far be it from us to prevent a union that both parties desire. But it is not without reservations that I do so.” A murmur went up among the handful of important people who were present to witness this inquiry. The only friendly faces Kate recognized were Tristan and Logan, Jed’s friends. Once again Marron held up a hand, asking for silence, taking his time before continuing. “Jed, we will only give this one chance to your chosen mate. If it is discovered that she is a traitor, we will not hesitate to execute her. It is only because I do not sense any hesitation in you that I am willing to believe she is trustworthy.”

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Marron speared Kate with a sharp glance. “As for you, young lady, you will have to work hard to earn the trust of Karn’al. We hold Jed in high esteem and have witnessed his unflinching loyalty to his people. We trust in him, and in doing so, place our trust in you.” She could only nod. Jed breathed a silent sigh of relief. “My thanks.” The Defender Triad stood up and moved to a side door. Before exiting, Marron beckoned Jed. Gesturing for Kate to stay where she was, he made his way to the highest of the Triad. “Is she aware of the Ritual of Acceptance?” Marron asked bluntly. Jed clenched his jaw. “I haven’t explained it to her yet.” “Do so at once,” he ordered curtly. “I want this done tonight so that any opposition might be dissuaded.” He gave a sweeping glance around the hall before turning to him once more. “I agreed to this union because I trust you, Jed. Do not let me down.” With a swish of his flowing robes, Marron left. The rest of the people in the hall soon began to file out as well. Logan and Tristan came up to Jed. “Congratulations,” Tristan greeted him with a smile. “Now all you have to do is keep her out of trouble. They’ll be watching her very closely for anything even remotely suspicious.” “I have no doubts about Kate on that score. Before that night six years ago, she’d never even set foot on Pagan soil.” “Have you decided who’s going to be with you during the Ritual?” Logan asked in a low voice. He grimaced. “No. But Marron ordered it done tonight.” At Jed’s telling scowl, Tristan grinned. “It’s only a one-time thing. I don’t think you have to worry about anything.” Jed managed a nod, his gaze zeroing in on Kate, standing a few feet away from them, looking around nervously. “She has no idea what’s in store for her.” Logan grinned. “We’ll leave you to it. Good luck.” Making his way over to Kate, Jed took her hand in his and together they walked out into the bright Karn’al sunshine. Peace settled around him as he realized she was now his mate. Now he just had to tackle the Ritual, which they had to undergo tonight. He bit back a sigh. Kate had seemed receptive to the idea of a threesome. Still, it didn’t sit well with him that he had to share her. At least it was only for one night. The worst hurdle was over. The Triad had not blocked their union. In the eyes of everyone in Karn’al, Kate was his mate. His heart swelled as he looked at her, so beautiful in the traditional Karn’al attire of a short, white tunic that showed off her shapely legs. As soon as they got home, he would have to tell her the truth about the Ritual of Acceptance. 119

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***** Kate glanced at Jed surreptitiously as they entered his quarters. Things had gone well, and the Defender Triad had allowed her to be his mate. But Jed didn’t seem too happy about it. There was a frown on his face and he seemed preoccupied. She took off her clothes and announced she was taking a shower, hoping he would join her, but he just nodded and said he had some things to take care of. A moment later, she heard him on the com-link, talking with somebody in low tones that didn’t allow her to make out his words. Annoyed, feeling less secure now about their mating, she marched to the shower. Maybe he’d changed his mind about her. She scrubbed her body until her skin turned pink. She hated it when Jed turned all macho and silent. How was she supposed to know what he was thinking? I’m not a mind reader. Things were going to be very difficult in the future if every time something was wrong he wouldn’t talk to her about it. She wrapped her wet hair with a towel. Before she wrapped another one around her, she clipped on her nipple chain, shivering at the slight sting she felt. It seemed to please Jed so much that she’d gotten used to wearing it. She sighed. Life was going to be hard enough without things becoming strained between the two of them. God, for the hundredth time she wished her sister was here. At least then she would have somebody to talk to. Men were all the same, whether Karn’alian or human. They clammed up at the first sign of trouble, leaving it up to the woman to figure out what was wrong. She drew up short when she walked into the bedroom. Jed stood by the bed, shirtless, the button of his trousers casually undone. She frowned. “Everything all right?” He shrugged. “Why wouldn’t it be?” His eyes never left her. Despite the warm shower she’d just taken, goose bumps broke out on her skin at the sudden heat in his eyes. She knew exactly what he was thinking about. Kate pulled in a deep breath. “You were acting strange on the way back here. Did you change your mind about me?” She winced. Jeez, she sounded whiny and insecure. Damn it. But this was too important. “Do you not want me any longer?” In response, he unzipped his pants and casually stepped out of them. Naked, his cock rose from its nest of dark curls, tall, thick and heavily engorged. Taking the shaft in his hand, he stroked himself, tightening at the base before swiping nonchalantly at the tip of his cock. “Does this look like I’ve changed my mind?” Her eyes were drawn to the thick stalk of flesh he casually held and she grew wet. She licked her lips. “No.” Jed strolled towards her. “One look at you and I’m hard, Kate. I can’t wait to get inside you and fuck you. Tell me. Hard or slow?” She backed up a step and held out her hand. “Wait—I want to talk.” He gave her a sexy grin. “We can talk later. Right now, I want you naked.”

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She melted. “Jed—” “Come on, Kate. I’ve been tortured by those nipples all day, pushing against the soft material of your tunic. You just had to choose one that was tight.” His burning gaze dropped to her breasts. “You knew what it would do to me.” She flushed at the truth in his words, her breath quickening. Arousal was tightening her belly. “It’s not my fault you’re perpetually horny.” “Hor-nee?” He held up a hand, puzzled. “My com-plant can’t translate. Explain it to me.” She couldn’t help but grin at that. “Wow. This must be the first time your complant’s been stumped.” At his raised eyebrow, she continued. “On Earth, that’s what we call those who think of sex all the time.” “Then I must be a perfect example of hor-nee,” he murmured outrageously. “I get close to you and I just want to get inside that tight pussy.” Any minute now, her juices were going to trickle slowly down her leg. “Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?” she asked doubtfully. “If you don’t shut up, I’m going to go crazy,” Jed uttered with a rough growl. “I want to see your hair.” Reaching up, she loosened the towel that held her wet hair. She tossed it on the floor, the damp tendrils of her hair coming down past her shoulders. “Now the other one,” he commanded. Kate let the towel drop, shivering at the feral look in his eyes when he saw she wore her nipple chain. She arched an eyebrow. “Better?” “Soon.” He bridged the distance between them, cupping her nape, angling her for his hungry kiss. She moaned. He took the sound for his own and plunged his tongue deep into her mouth. “You’re mine,” he grated against her lips. Her eyes flew open. “Are you mine?” His brow wrinkled. “Who else’s?” He backtracked to the bed and sat down, pulling her on top of him. Cupping her breasts, he worked her stiff nipples, adding to the stimulation provided by the clamps. Kate moaned, sensations surging inside her. The wetness between her thighs grew, the slick creaminess drenching her in liquid readiness for him. She burrowed closer, running her palms over his taut muscles, marveling at the mix of satin and steel. Unable to resist, she ran her tongue down the side of his neck, wanting to taste him all over. When she licked his ear, he shuddered in her arms. She grinned. “You like that, huh?” In response, he smacked her ass, grinning when she jumped. “You like that, huh?” “Oh yeah,” she murmured against his lips before boldly slipping her tongue inside his mouth. The groan he uttered encouraged her to deepen the kiss, shutting her eyes

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tightly at the pleasure that swelled in her. She undulated on top of him, rubbing her pussy on the thick shaft of his engorged cock, coating him with her moisture. Her senses reeled. It was an effort to tear herself away and kneel at his feet. He groaned. “Kate.” She fitted her lips over the broad head of his cock, licking that ridge underneath that she knew was so sensitive. “Hmm?” “There’s something I have to tell you,” he gritted out through clenched teeth. He attempted to pull her away but she resisted. Kate never thought she’d like going down on a man, but with Jed, it was different. Wrapping her hand around the thick base of his cock, she paused and looked up. “Are you sure you want to talk now?” she asked teasingly, running the flat of her tongue around and around the purple tip. His jaw clenched. “Yes.” She grinned, enjoying tormenting him. “All right. But if you’ll just give me a second…” Opening wide, she took him deep, as deep as she could, and reveled at the strangled sound he made. She lingered on the way up, letting him go slow, sliding her lips over him with a tight, wet suction. With what seemed like a Herculean effort, Jed pulled his cock from her lips and stood up. “Get on the bed. I can’t talk with you doing that.” For the first time in her life, Kate felt as close to a femme fatale as she’d ever felt. The look in his eyes was hot enough to melt a glacier. She began to realize the feminine power women had over men since time immemorial, eyeing the straining erection he sported. She climbed on the bed, propping several pillows behind her. Leaning back, she bent her knees, spread her knees wide and released a put-upon sigh. “Well, if we must talk, go ahead.” As she’d predicted, his eyes zeroed in on her exposed pussy. Hiding a smile, she swirled a finger down over her belly and coasted down to the slick labia. Knowing she had a captive audience, she ran her finger teasingly up and down her vagina, gathering the moisture and spreading the slickness all over. Jed stared unblinking, unable to look away, unable to speak. “Jed?” she prompted softly. “You wanted to talk?” Kate began to softly undulate her hips, meeting the light, fluttering touch of her finger, torturing herself, torturing him. “You’re going to pay for this.” She wet her dry lips. “So make me pay now.” “Oh no,” Jed countered with a small shake of his head. “Right now, I have something very important I have to talk to you about.” Kate pouted. “I’m listening.” But she never ceased touching herself. With her other hand, she played with a stiff nipple, squeezing and pinching around the clamp, imagining it was Jed touching her. 122

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“At the tower,” he began, his deep voice low and throbbing, “with Rohm. Did you enjoy that?” Kate intuitively sensed that this was important to him. “I’ve never done anything like that before, although I didn’t find it distasteful.” She cleared her throat. “Did you?” For a moment, his eyes clouded. “I was jealous.” “But you let him stay,” she reminded him, bewildered. “I wanted to let him look but not touch.” He spoke in an odd, gentle voice. “I knew you found pleasure in both of us touching you.” She flushed. “You don’t think less of me because of that?” The look on his face told her he found the question odd. “No.” Her brow wrinkled. “Okay. So what has that got to do with us right now?” “There is a condition we have to fulfill to ensure our union is valid in everyone’s eyes,” he revealed. “A Cyborg warrior has to go through a Ritual of Acceptance where he chooses a comrade to join him and his mate for one time only.” Ritual of Acceptance? Was he talking about him, her…and another man? All sorts of erotic images filled her head. Her pulse quickened, excitement winding its way around her body. “If I happen to die, that comrade is sworn to take care of you and any children we might have,” Jed finished, his gaze unflinching and direct, ready for her reaction. “But I don’t intend to die any time soon,” he quickly added. The heat that blossomed from her pussy swelled to major proportions. “And is this Ritual okay with you?” she asked hoarsely. His lips tilted in a small grin. “You’re mine now. I know even if there’s another man who pleasures you, you will always be mine. That it’s my name you’ll be screaming from your lips, my cock that will be pleasuring you night after night.” Kate felt weak. “And everyone has to go through this?” “Warriors and their mates, yes.” “Well,” she managed to say, licking her lips. “If you put it that way…” He tensed. “I don’t want you to have to do something you don’t want to do.” A slow, sexy smile tugged at her lips. “I had fun that afternoon, Jed. I never thought I’d be adventurous sexually, but with you, I’m willing to try anything. But,” she sought to clarify, “this is not a regular thing, right?” He chuckled, relieved. “Only if you want it to be.” Kate cupped her breasts, pulling gently at her nipples, knowing he liked to see her doing so. “Who did you have in mind?” “He’ll be here soon.” Jed finally joined her on the bed, gathering her in his arms. “I love you.” A deep shuddering breath worked its way from the depths of her lungs. She loved this man, this Cyborg who’d risked his life by taking her home with him, to a place 123

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where Pagans were hated and reviled. Who’d stood up for her, defended her, because he loved her. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for him. “I love you, too,” she whispered. He kissed her, a soft kiss that started out as a sweet melding of their lips before turning into a deep, sexual, hungry one. As always, whenever he touched her, she yielded and softened, ready to give him anything. Jed nudged her to a kneeling position on the bed, the sheets rustling softly as they shifted. He moved behind her, starting a line of tender kisses at the very spot where her neck and shoulder met. She arched, loving the quick swipe of his tongue, the gentle skim of his lips and the barely there nip of his tongue. His arms stole around her, his palms rubbing circles around her middle, inciting her lust even more. Her nipples ached, begging to be touched. He seemed to know what she needed and tugged gently on the chain, the clamped tips stiffening even more in reaction. Kate moaned softly. He squeezed and kneaded her breasts, alternating between gentle and rough until she was panting. Heat swirled and gathered in her pussy, the cool air in the room a stinging contrast to the storm brewing between her legs. Kate looked at Jed. A light flush covered his cheekbones, his eyes heavy-lidded. His jaw was locked tight. His concentration was focused solely on her body. Unable to help herself, she pulled his head down. “Kiss me.” She was conscious of the husky need so flagrant in her voice, her words a plea and a demand at the same time. Jed complied, at the same time delving between her parted legs. With a whimper, she kissed him, ravenous for his taste. The light touch of his fingers on her labia was hardly satisfying, and she rotated her hips in invitation. He chuckled, a strained, tense sound. “Patience.” He pulled open the puffy lips guarding her channel. Kate trembled. She was so hot—she felt she could come with just one quick touch from his fingers. The door opened. Logan stood there, unbuttoning his shirt, slowly advancing into the room. Excitement wound treacherously inside her at the thought of the two men possessing her, pleasuring her. She wrapped her arms around Jed’s neck, the position arching her body towards Logan. “Are you ready, Kate?” Jed asked huskily. She licked her lips, her gaze trapped in Logan’s. “Yes,” she breathed. Her Cyborg muffled a groan against her hair. His wonderful hands were never still, exploring, inciting, awakening. Kate watched Logan approach, briefly admiring his hard physique and marveling at the sheer beauty of his erection. Were all Cyborgs as impressively equipped as Jed and Logan? she wondered dazedly. The bed dipped slightly as the now-naked Logan joined them on the bed. Sandwiched between the two men, Kate couldn’t stop her shiver of excited anticipation. God, surely the pleasure would be too much to bear? She held her breath, waiting for what would happen next. 124

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The attack, when it came, was devastating to her senses. Together, Jed and Logan drove her to never-before-reached heights, ruthlessly arousing her deepest passions and baring her secret desires. It was a moment of revelation for Kate, who never thought she would experience this in her lifetime. But the woman trembling and moaning in their arms, urging them on with whispered demands and pleas for more, was wanton and sexual and wouldn’t be denied. She was a willing participant, cupping her breasts to offer them to Logan, asking for more when he gently bit down on her aching nipples. Jed wasn’t idle, cupping her buttocks, sliding his blunt fingers in the warm crevice of her cheeks, teasing her with quick, fluttering touches to the untried, puckered orifice of her ass. He pushed inside her dripping pussy, thrusting in and out, soaking the digits thoroughly in her juice. Using her copious moisture, he slipped down to her ass and lubed it. Kate was shocked but the sensation was too strong to be denied. She could only gasp when he slipped in up to the first knuckle. Logan doubled the intensity when he penetrated her pussy with his fingers. The two men began to thrust in and out, driving her insane. Panting, her skin slick with perspiration, Kate groaned and before long was urging them on, willingly sinking against their touch, inviting more. When Jed pulled away, she sighed with disappointment. Dimly she heard him moving behind her, too dazed to notice what he was doing. Logan bent and sucked her nipples with a hard and biting pressure. Kate held him close, pushing more of her flesh into his mouth, keening in response. A moment later, she felt Jed behind her once more. Through the fog of lust clouding her mind, she felt something slick and cold slide against her ass. She looked back to see Jed, his face tight with concentration, as he positioned the head of his cock against her well-lubricated ass. “Oh God,” she breathed shakily. “Relax for me, Kate,” he gritted out. “Don’t fight it.” Fight it? Her mind was hazy with lust. Why would she want to? She felt Logan’s harsh chuckle against her skin, her attention snagged by his fingers strumming her swollen clit. She gasped and arched, feeling Jed’s cock slip in past the tight ring of her ass. Jed groaned. Holding her hips tightly, he pushed in slowly, steadily, driving Kate out of her mind with the mind-numbing pleasure that accompanied the streaking pain. Logan shifted, bending low to suck her clit between his lips. At her cry, Jed pushed in to the hilt, sheathing his massive cock in her ass. She felt full, crammed to the limit with his cock. “Oh God, oh God, oh God,” she panted. “Incredible,” Jed whispered hoarsely in her ear.

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Not to be outdone, Logan gave her pussy one long lick before moving to position himself. He grasped his cock and rubbed it through the cream dripping from her pussy, before finding her slit and slowly pushing in. It was a tight fit. Kate moaned. “I don’t think it’s going to—ohhh!” “It will, beautiful Kate,” Logan muttered. “It will.” Inch by agonizing inch, he pushed in the tightened channel until he forced his cock all the way in to kiss the mouth of her womb. “I’m going to die,” she gasped. Jed gave a pained chuckle. “We’ll all die together. Logan?” “I’m in,” he replied, gritting his teeth. “By the Gods, Jed, she’s a tight fit. If you don’t start moving soon, I’m going to explode.” There was a grunt, and Kate felt Jed begin to thrust inside her ass. Long, drawn-out thrusts that drove her crazy. Logan soon caught on, matching Jed’s rhythm. Jammed between two powerful men, unable to do anything but accept the pleasure they were giving her, Kate surrendered. Fully. Totally. Her knees parted wide, sinking into the bed, she could only hold on as they possessed her in the fullest meaning of the word. Their mingled breaths, pants and moans filled the small room. It was too much. The pleasure had become unbearable. Kate keened, her cry turning into a scream as she tightened on their cocks and came. It went on and on, robbing her of her sanity and consciousness, lost in the incredible swell of pleasure. Dimly she heard Logan groan and felt his cock jerk inside her as he, too, came. Jed came a second later, her name falling from his lips as he too gave in. His cock swelled impossibly larger in her ass, before spewing his hot seed deep inside her. On and on it went, the three of them caught in a huge wave of pleasure that eventually sapped them of their strength. Kate slumped back against Jed, cocooned in the arms of the two strong Cyborgs. She trembled when Logan slowly slipped from her pussy, her moist inner flesh clinging to his cock. Kate opened her eyes, drowsy and sated, mustering a smile when Logan touched her lips with a finger before grabbing his clothes and walking out the door. “Are you all right?” Jed murmured. With a smile, she nodded. He was still inside her, pulsing with power, a reminder that he’d just possessed her in the most primal way a woman could be possessed. “I love you,” she whispered blissfully. He chuckled, the sound laced with satisfaction. “I know.” He slipped out, and she moaned softly in protest. She was going to be sore, she knew, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Jed lay back down, pulling her close. “Do you think you’ll be happy here, on Karn’al?” “Definitely,” she replied, reaching up to kiss him.

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“You’ll miss your sister.” “I have a confession to make.” At his curious look, she continued, “I sent a vidmessage to my sister.” When he would have said something, she stopped him. “Don’t get mad. Rohm was nice enough to volunteer to take it to her. He said he was traveling that way anyway and would gladly make a detour to deliver my message to Erin.” Jed laughed. She frowned. “What’s so funny?” “Do you really think Rohm did that out of generosity? Kate, he’s a prince. Soon he’ll be King. He has dozens and dozens of minions who could have gone in his place.” “What are you saying?” “I’m saying I think my good friend had an ulterior motive in volunteering.” At her blank look, he grinned. “He wants to meet your sister.” “He does?” She paused, her eyes widening. “Well, he was staring at her picture rather intently.” With a chuckle, he hugged her. “I hope your sister’s ready to take on a prince.” “Erin has never been shy around men, that much I’m sure of.” She just didn’t know how her sister would handle a sexual magnet like Rohm. “I hope everything turns out okay. I just wanted to send her a message to let her know I’m okay.” “Everything will be fine. I’m sure of it.” It gave her hope that she’d see her sister again soon…although probably not on Karn’al. The Karn’alians had made a big concession in allowing her to stay here. To have another Pagan in their midst would probably be too much. On the other hand, if Erin and Rohm hit it off well, maybe she’d see Erin on Dakara. But Erin was more stubborn and willful than Kate. If Rohm was used to submissive women, he had a surprise coming with Erin. Kate smiled, snuggling close to her Cyborg. She believed him when he said things would work out. So far, he’d always been right. As his arms went around her, a peaceful bliss stole over her heart. She was where she belonged.

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About the author Beverly Havlir writes her books surrounded by plush pink and white heart-shaped pillows and soft, sexy music playing in the background. She plots her stories dressed in sheer, silky lingerie while eating bonbons and sipping champagne. Now for a dash of reality… After running around doing totally unglamorous chores all day, Beverly writes at night when all is quiet and she is (at last!) alone. Exhaustion disappears as soon as she sits down in front of her computer, doing what she loves best: writing stories that bring women’s fantasies to life. Beverly Havlir welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Avenue, Akron, OH 44310-3502.

Also by Beverly Havlir The Abduction of Emma Bodyguard Pleasure Planet anthology Taming Alex

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com